CABINET OFFICE

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the costs were of having the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the right hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn), as an additional Cabinet Member between 8 September 2004 and 6 May 2005.

Jim Murphy: I refer the hon. Member to the Cabinet Office annual report and resource accounts 2004–05, a copy of which is available in the Library and on the Cabinet Office website at:
	www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/publications/reports/annualreport/resourceaccounts0405.pdf

Gas Storage (Duchy of Lancaster Land)

Ben Wallace: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with farm tenants about proposals for gas storage in and around Duchy lands.

Jim Murphy: Neither I nor the Duchy of Lancaster office have had any discussions or requests for discussions with farm tenants about proposals for gas storage in and around Duchy lands.

Lords Appointments

Andrew Turner: To ask the Minister without Portfolio whether a civil servant (a) attended on the Minister without Portfolio on the occasion when he signed statements for the Lords Appointments Committee from hospital and (b) carried such documents to or from the hospital.

Ian McCartney: During my stay in hospital I continued to receive and work on ministerial boxes. The boxes contained various items of correspondence addressed to me at the Cabinet Office including the certificates from the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Ministerial Engagements

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2006, Official Report, column 1646W, on engagements, if he will list the public events the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster attended during the period.

Jim Murphy: During his period in office, the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster made regional visits to Monmouth, Northampton, Manchester and Birmingham; contributed to seminars on Active Citizenship, The Opportunity Society, Equality Diversity and Choice, Social Mobility and Personalisation in Public Services; and attended the Guardian Public Service Awards, the ACEVO Surer Funding Report Launch and the Duchy of Lancaster Christmas Carol Service.

IT Systems (Public Services)

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with Health Ministers on progress with the implementation of the NHS choose and book system;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the frequency with which the UK worldheritage.org.uk website is used.

Jim Murphy: The Government's strategy for the use of technology to improve public services is set out in Transformational Government: Enabled by Technology (CM6683).
	I regularly discuss these issues with ministerial colleagues.

No. 10 Downing Street

Norman Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 6 June 2005 to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws), Official Report, column 302W, on Downing Street (refurbishment), when he expects final decisions to be taken on upgrading the Cabinet Office estate; and who is responsible for taking such decisions.

Jim Murphy: Officials continue to develop design and procurement options for the refurbishment of the heritage Cabinet Office estate. Any decision will be subject to acceptance of a strong business case, both internally within the Cabinet Office and by Her Majesty's Treasury.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

2012 Olympics

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the KPMG contract for London 2012 Olympics has cost her Department to date.

Richard Caborn: To date, the Department has paid £422,162 to KPMG for work on the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. This figure is higher than the original cost estimate, which reflects an extension of KPMG's work to provide ongoing analysis of the various elements of the costs of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Commonwealth Games

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what contributions from the public purse have been spent on the participation at the Commonwealth Games of those representing (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland.

Richard Caborn: Sport in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including Commonwealth Games teams is a devolved matter. However, with regard to the funding provided to athletes from Northern Ireland competing in the Commonwealth Games, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, on 9 January 2006, Official Report, column 317W.
	Funding to our elite and aspiring athletes to help them train and compete at international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games, is provided through the World Class Programmes administered by UK Sport and Sport England, as well as the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
	The World Class Programme administered by UK Sport supports UK governing bodies and includes athletes from all parts of the UK. It targets funding at the UK's top athletes—both able bodied and disabled—to help them achieve consistent success in international competition and ultimately to bring home medals, usually in major competitions at European, World and Olympic/Paralympic level.
	Sport England's World Class Programme is for English athletes primarily within English governing bodies and aims to assist the development of talented athletes with the potential to win medals, or equivalent, in significant future international competitions.
	TASS funding is primarily used to support UK athletes aged between 18 and 25 studying in English educational institutions.
	The total world class programme investment from 2002 until March 2006 in the 116 sports comprising the Commonwealth Games is in the region of £36 million by UK Sport and £70 million by Sport England. TASS investment across over 40 sports (including Commonwealth Games sports) during this period totals £7 million.
	Additionally Sport England has invested £1.5 million in five sports (basketball, bowls, shooting, table tennis and weightlifting) specifically to support their preparation and attendance at the Games. Furthermore, Sport England has invested £1.8 million into this Commonwealth Games cycle through the Commonwealth Games Council for England which will have helped the preparation and attendance of athletes and officials in Melbourne.

Fininvest

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what (a) representations she has received from and (b) discussions she and Ministers in her Department have held with companies owned by Fininvest.

James Purnell: DCMS Ministers have not received representations nor had discussions with companies owned by Fininvest.

Gambling

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the number of problem gamblers in Coventry, South.

Richard Caborn: The current estimate is that 0.6 per cent. of the adult population of Great Britain are problem gamblers. This figure is drawn from the most recent authoritative research: Kerry Sproston, Bob Erens and Jim Orford (2000): Gambling Behaviour in Britain: Results from the British Gambling Prevalence Study" (National Centre for Social Research, June 2000). This research was conducted using a sample of addresses selected at random. As such, it is not possible to provide results on a geographical basis.

Intergovernmental Accords

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the intergovernmental accords she has signed with the Italian Government.

James Purnell: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has entered into one accord with the Italian Government; a memorandum of understanding on digital switchover in 2004.

Listed Buildings

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the simplification of the system for the listing of buildings; and what resources have been allocated to the listing process for (a) 2005–06 and (b) 2007–08.

David Lammy: A number of changes have recently been introduced to the listed building system. Since April 2005:
	English Heritage has taken over the administration of the listed building system from DCMS;
	DCMS and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have issued a public consultation on new listing criteria. Responses to that consultation are now being analysed;
	For each new listing, English Heritage has introduced a new 'summary of significance' that sets out the reason for listing, and a map that shows the extent of the listing;
	English Heritage now notifies owners and local authorities on applications to list buildings;
	English Heritage has begun to design an information pack for owners to be introduced during 2006–07.
	These changes are intended to simplify and streamline the system and make the listing process more open and understandable.
	As part of its modernisation programme, English Heritage restructured its staff dealing with listing, scheduling and registration into a new Heritage Protection Department in 2005. In 2005–06 there were 56 full time staff in the Heritage Protection Department on a budget of £2.3 million. Within DCMS a team of 9.5 staff work on administration of listed building applications.
	Resources for listing in 2007–08 will be determined in the light of further changes to the listing process and levels of applications.

Social Exclusion

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding streams her Department plans to finance in 2006–07 to tackle social exclusion.

Tessa Jowell: Virtually every aspect of my Department's work is focussed on maximising participation in all areas of cultural and sporting activity. Particular efforts are devoted to reaching out to people who are socially excluded or for whatever reason may not feel they can participate. This ambition is underpinned by our PSA targets by which we monitor progress.
	These targets drive cultural and sports programmes which play a key role in tackling the risks and causes of social exclusion including unemployment, poor educational attainment, poor physical and mental health and crime. For example, 80 per cent. of the £151 million funding for Creative Partnerships is delivered in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. Next year, over £10 million will be allocated towards funding 3,000 Community Sports Coaches, many of whom work directly with young people to tackle social exclusion. Through the Respect Action Plan, my Department will provide £1 million over three years to develop and expand the Sports Champion mentoring programme through which world class athletes inspire and motivate disaffected young people. I have also directed national lottery distributors to take account of the scope for reducing economic and social deprivation in designing the arts, sports and heritage grant programmes.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Avian Influenza

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment her Department has made of the risk to the UK of avian influenza.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 16 March 2006
	Highly pathogenic H5N1 has been confirmed in several EU Member States, including cases involving wild ducks and domestic turkeys near Lyon in France. These cases increase the likelihood that H5N1 may be found in the UK.
	Precautionary measures are in place and we are keeping the risk under constant review in consultation with independent ornithological and meteorological experts and other stakeholders. We will not hesitate to introduce tighter controls if a change in the risk assessment justifies such action.

Badgers

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons those who report or hand in badgers for the Road Traffic Accident Survey may not be told the result of those tests that are undertaken to determine whether the animal was a vector for bovine tuberculosis.

Ben Bradshaw: The Seven Counties Road Traffic Accident Survey finished at the end of 2005. A major reason that results were not provided was to avoid the possibility that a positive badger might be assumed to be associated with a herd breakdown and lead to the illegal killing of badgers.

Departmental Research Projects

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research projects her Department and its predecessor has commissioned since 1997; and what are the names of the organisations contracted to carry out each piece of work.

Ben Bradshaw: A full response to this question could be made only at disproportionate cost. Defra and its predecessor Departments have substantial research programmes. Defra currently spends around £160 million annually on research and at any one time has in the order of 1,500 ongoing projects with a large number of contractors.
	However, Defra proactively publishes large amounts of data on its R and D projects through its website (http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/project_data/Default.asp). This includes information on live" projects and those completed over recent years. It is also possible to access separate information on research contractors used through this site.

Farming

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the number of farmers who are able to obtain up-to-date best practice information from her Department and other websites via the internet;
	(2)  if she will provide financial incentives to farmers to invest in internet access as part of their business planning.

Jim Knight: The best available estimate of the proportion of farmers with access to the internet in England is approximately two-thirds. However, this is based on information from the 2003 Agricultural Census, and the position is likely to have improved further since then. These farmers will be able to access a range of guidance from Defra and other departments via the Internet.
	Defra aims to stimulate the take-up and effective use of ICT by all rural businesses. And we support the Community Broadband Network, for example, which provides mentoring and support to help communities access and make use of broadband services.
	Financial help to farmers to support internet access is currently available through Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme. Further assistance may also be available from the Regional Development Agencies and local Business Link support services.
	Farmers may soon be able to offset the cost of internet access under the Whole Farm Approach (WFA). This will lighten the regulatory burden that they face. The WFA will cut the time spent by an average farmer filling in forms. Further financial savings will come from more efficient inspections and the provision of advice.
	However, the department continues to use a range of advice channels to communicate best practice and other guidance to farming businesses, including booklets or leaflets.

Gangmasters (Licensing) Act

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to expand the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to cover other areas of responsibility; and what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on this issue.

Jim Knight: The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 covers the supply of labour to undertake agricultural work and, processing and packing of agricultural, fish and shellfish products. It also covers the supply and use of workers to gather shellfish. We have no plans to extend the scope of the Act at this time and there has been no discussion with ministerial colleagues on this.
	Regulations that will allow the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to commence processing licence applications were laid before the House on 13 March. These come into effect on 6 April with regulations for shellfish gathering due by October. The Government have also announced its intention to conduct a post implementation review, a year after licensing comes into effect, to ensure the burdens on business are proportionate to the risks involved.

Live Calves (Export)

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will meet bodies that represent farmers to discourage resumption of the export of live calves for rearing as veal on the continent; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department is in regular contact, on a range of issues, with bodies that represent farmers.
	The Government would prefer a trade in meat to the long distance transport of live animals to slaughter, whether in the UK or across borders, and would like to see a lower limit for maximum journey times. However, once the current ban has been lifted, it will under EU law be the right of anyone wishing to do so to export live cattle provided they adhere to the rules on health and welfare. These rules will be vigorously enforced and officials are ensuring that those expressing an interest in exporting calves are aware of them.
	Veal crates are banned in the EU from the end of this year and their use has already largely been phased out. Several EU countries have, like the UK, already banned veal crates.

Sheep Grazing

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what factors lay behind her decision to reduce payments made under the environmentally sensitive areas scheme for sheep grazing.

Jim Knight: The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme was introduced in 1987 to offer incentives to encourage farmers to adopt agricultural practices which would safeguard and enhance parts of the country of particularly high landscape, wildlife or historic value. The scheme has now closed to new applicants but there are still thousands of ongoing live agreements in place.
	We have not reviewed ESA payment rates for existing agreement holders since 1999–2000 and there are no proposals to do so.
	If the hon. Member would like to write to me I am happy to consider his points in more detail.

Waste and Resources Programme

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to minimise the creation of waste; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: In line with the Government's commitment to sustainable development, the Government's policy on waste minimisation seeks to break the link between economic growth and the amount of waste produced and to drive the management of waste up the waste hierarchy of reduction, re-use, recycling and composting, and energy recovery.
	The Government's main driver for achieving waste minimisation is the waste implementation programme (WIP). The waste and resources action programme (WRAP) leads on delivering this work.
	WRAP'S waste minimisation programme aims to reduce the growth of household waste from 3 percent to 2 percent by the end of the 2005–6 financial year. So far in the 2005–6 financial year, the programme has received around £20 million of funding for three initiatives:
	the Home Composting scheme, which promotes home composting.
	WRAP'S target is to divert 400,000 tonnes of waste from landfill by the end of April 2006;
	the real nappy programme, which promotes the use of re-usable nappies; and the retailer initiative, through which WRAP is working with retailers to reduce the amount of-waste from supermarkets. A related Innovation Fund provides funding for research and development into waste minimisation.
	The retailer initiative will be important for delivering the Courtauld Commitment on minimising packaging and food waste from the thirteen top UK grocery retailers. Environment Secretary launched the agreement between WRAP and the retailers in July 2005. Next year, an additional element of WRAP'S work will be communications with consumers, with the aim of reducing household food waste.
	The Government's business resource efficiency and waste (BREW) programme funds resource efficiency and waste minimisation programmes.
	Various BREW delivery bodies are charged with returning £284 million, from additional landfill tax receipts, to business over three years. These include:
	Envirowise, which provides resource efficiency advice and funds waste minimisation clubs;
	the market transformation programme, which helps improve the resource efficiency of products and product information for consumers;
	the national industrial symbiosis programme (NISP), which helps minimise waste by linking businesses that produce and use waste; and
	the DTI technology programme, which facilitates research and development into resource efficiency, including in the area of waste management.
	The Government's food industry sustainability strategy, which will be published shortly, challenges the food manufacturing industry to reduce the quantity of waste that it produces by between 15 and 20 percent. by 2010.
	Through its research and data programmes, the Government are investing in developing a sound evidence base on waste minimisation practices and opportunities. So far in the 2005–6 financial year, DEFRA has committed over £2 million to waste minimisation related research and development projects under its waste research and resources programme. Although research so far has largely centred on household waste prevention the programme is also funding some minimisation projects related to commercial and industrial waste (including a £225,000 project, Understanding and Predicting Construction Waste").
	DEFRA is currently reviewing its waste strategy, which it published in 2000. On 14 February DEFRA published a consultation document on the review, which proposed a greater focus on waste prevention and resource efficiency to further decouple waste creation from economic growth. DEFRA's work to establish evidence bases on sustainable consumption and production and waste, including research and review work on the flows of resources through the economy, are important linked programmes in underpinning this strategic priority.

Waste and Resources Programme

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department plans to continue to provide financial support to the Waste and Resources Programme after the end of March for its programme to encourage and promote the use of real nappies.

Ben Bradshaw: WRAP has only sought funding to enable it to withdraw from this activity, by meeting existing commitments. That is what we shall be providing.

Wild Bird Imports

Shahid Malik: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2006, Official Report, column 11W, on wild bird imports, what her policy is on making permanent the EU's temporary ban on the import of all wild birds.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government currently have an open mind on this issue and is seeking views from interested parties on the issues surrounding such a ban, particularly in relation to animal health and welfare, conservation, livelihoods and illegal trade.
	The European Commission has been asked to look at this issue and has commissioned the European Food Safety Authority to prepare an opinion on the animal health and welfare aspects of the trade in wild birds. This is due to report in October 2006.

Wild Bird Imports

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the terms of reference are of her Department's internal review of the extension of the ban on the wild bird trade; and on what date she expects that review to report to Ministers.

Ben Bradshaw: The EU ban on imports of captive wild birds from third countries is due to expire on 31 May 2006.
	We are awaiting proposals from the European Commission on whether to extend the ban, or to lift it (in full or in part), taking into account the ongoing disease situation worldwide. UK experts will examine these proposals, consider the associated disease risks, and prepare our position accordingly.
	We will also be taking into account the recommendations made in the independent review of avian quarantine which was published on 15 December 2005. We will publish the Government response to this report shortly.

World Heritage Sites

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Minister in her Department has responsibility for issues relating to world heritage sites.

Jim Knight: Lead responsibility for policy on World Heritage Sites rests with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The Department for Culture, Media and Sports works closely with relevant Government Departments on all issues affecting World Heritage Sites. Within Defra, I am the Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, with responsibility for issues concerning World Heritage sites which fall within this Department's policy remit.
	The only World Heritage site for the natural environment is for the Jurassic Coast within my constituency of South Dorset. Decisions relating to this site would therefore by made by another Defra minister.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Delegated Legislation Committees

David Winnick: To ask the Leader of the House on how many occasions in the last two years a division has been recorded in a standing committee on delegated legislation.

Nigel Griffiths: The information for the last two completed sessions and the current session is given in the following table:
	
		Number
		
			 Session Delegated Legislation committee meetings Instruments considered Divisions 
		
		
			 2003–04 149 185 29 
			 2004–05 92 117 8 
			 2005–06 (to 17 March) 132 150 14

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefit Payments Provision

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2006, Official Report, column 860W, on benefit payments provision, how much debt owed to the Department has been recovered by private sector partners under the Enforcement Initiative.

James Plaskitt: The Enforcement Initiative was set up in April 2004 to utilise the services of the private sector to assist the Department's debt collection activities.
	Up to and including 31 January 2006 the initiative has recovered an overall total of £22.22 million. Of this £11.54 million has been collected directly by the private sector: this is made up of £4.70 million in corporate debt recovery and £6.84 million in benefit debt recovery.

Child Maintenance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the proportion of parents with care on income support and income-based jobseeker's allowance who are receiving maintenance for their children.

James Plaskitt: The information requested can be found in table 13 of the CSA's Quarterly Summary Statistics (QSS) document, a copy of which is available in the House Library.
	For convenience, the relevant table is reproduced as follows.
	
		QSS table 13: percentage of parents with care on income support or jobseeker's allowance (income based) in receipt of maintenance
		
			 Percentage 
			 Quarter ending Overall agency New scheme Old scheme 
		
		
			 February 2003 25 n/a 25 
			 February 2004 23 24 23 
			 May 2004 23 28 22 
			 August 2004 23 31 22 
			 November 2004 24 34 21 
			 February 2005 24 34 20 
			 May 2005 25 36 19 
			 August 2005 25 36 19 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The above includes those old-scheme cases with a full maintenance assessment, and those new-scheme cases with either a full maintenance calculation, or a default maintenance decision. Old-scheme cases with a punitive interim maintenance assessment are excluded from this analysis in line with the Agency's target definition, as are new-scheme cases being processed clerically.
	2. The Child Support Agency's PSA target was to double the proportion of parents with care on income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance who receive maintenance for their children to 60 per cent. by March 2006". This target has been rolled forward under SR2004 and increased to 65 per cent. by March 2008.
	3. A parent with care is deemed to be on income support or jobseeker's allowance (income based) if they or their partner are in receipt of either benefit.
	4. Old-scheme data from the old computer system (CSCS) are matched with administrative data from the benefits system to obtain the current benefit status of the parent with care. Those parents with care who are not themselves on benefit, but whose partner is, are excluded from this analysis due to lack of available data. It is not possible to match old and new scheme data from the new IT system (CS2) with administrative data from the benefits system, so this information is recorded as that held on the CSA system.
	5. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
	6. Robust data from the new IT system (CS2) covering the period March 2003—March 2004 is not currently available, and is under development.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the accuracy rate of Child Support Agency assessments since 1 January 2004; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: Although accuracy is not as high as we would want there are some signs of improvement. The Agency's Operational Improvement Plan outlines how changes in processes will drive up accuracy standards.
	Accuracy levels can be found in table 17 of the CSA's Quarterly Summary Statistics (QSS) document, a copy of which is available in the House Library.
	For convenience, the relevant table is reproduced as follows.
	
		CSA table 17: accuracy of maintenance calculations and assessments
		
			 Percentage 
			  New scheme Old scheme 
		
		
			 April 2003—March 2004 82 86 
			 April 2004—March 2005 75 78 
			 April 2005—December 2005 83 84 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The Agency target for accuracy in 2005–06 is that by 31 March 2006 accuracy on the last decision made for all maintenance calculations (new scheme) and assessments (old scheme) checked in the year to be correct to the nearest penny in at least 90 per cent. of new scheme cases and 82 per cent. of old scheme cases.
	2. Measurement of Agency performance against this target is based on checks carried out on a sample of cases that grows cumulatively throughout the year, and is designed to provide an optimal level of precision for the estimate of Agency accuracy at any financial year end.
	3. While it is possible to derive year to date performance at any point within the reporting period in order to provide an indicative guide as to current (cumulative) performance, comparisons between individual months (particularly towards the beginning of the reporting period) are subject to sampling variation, meaning that any time series may not be wholly reflective of actual trends in performance. For this reason, figures have been provided for financial years for the period April 2003 to March 2005, and year to date for the current reporting year.
	4. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
	5. The figures included in this table do not themselves have national statistics status, but are included in this publication in order to give a fuller picture of CSA performance.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff (a) were employed by the Child Support Agency in each month since December 2003 and (b) are expected to be so employed in each month to March 2006, expressed in terms of (i) actual staff numbers and (iii) full-time equivalent staff; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 25 January 2006
	The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Stephen Geraghty dated, 23 March 2006
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff (a) were employed by the Child Support Agency in each month since December 2003 and (b) are expected to be so employed in each month to March 2006 expressed in terms of (i) actual staff numbers and (ii) full-time equivalent staff; and if he will make a statement."
	The table below contains all the information available on the number of actual staff and full/whole time equivalent staff in post in the months requested. The figures for all months up to and including November 2005 are actual figures sourced from the Department's shared payroll system. The figures include fixed-term appointments and temporary staff, but not Northern Ireland staff (who are part of the Northern Ireland Civil Service).
	The Secretary of State announced on the 9th February the new Operational Improvement Plan for the Agency. The staffing for the Agency for future years will be agreed in due course.
	
		
			 Month Full-time equivalent Headcount 
		
		
			 December 2003 10527.76 11721 
			 January 2004 10671.76 11901 
			 February 2004 10723.27 11979 
			 March 2004 10819.02 12083 
			 April 2004 10760.56 12026 
			 May 2004 10635.28 11892 
			 June 2004 10671.76 11901 
			 July 2004 10380.3 11612 
			 August 2004 10099.43 11213 
			 September 2004 10076.78 11285 
			 October 2004 9886.23 11088 
			 November 2004 9844.26 11041 
			 December 2004 9809.96 11008 
			 January 2005 9737.67 10932 
			 February 2005 9721.41 10923 
			 March 2005 9784.26 10994 
			 April 2005 9798.23 11009 
			 May 2005 9772.12 10969 
			 June 2005 9827.08 11020 
			 July 2005 9859.89 11054 
			 August 2005 9914.22 11108 
			 September 2005 10076.55 11284 
			 October 2005 10291 11524 
			 November 2005 10491.01 11750 
		
	
	I hope this is helpful.

Correspondence

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) letters from hon. Members, (b) letters from members of the public and (c) parliamentary questions from (i) hon. Members and (ii) Lords were dealt with by his Department in each year since 1995 in respect of the percentage his Department took (A) more than one month and (B) more than three months to provide a substantive answer; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the Department of Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment, including the Employment Service. This response includes information for the 2001–02 parliamentary session onwards.
	The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the performance of departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence. The report for 2004 was published on 6 April 2005 (column 137–40ws). Reports for previous years are available in the Library of the House. Information on letters from members of the public to the Department's Ministers is available in the Department's departmental report, which is published annually and can be found in the Library of the House. Information about letters from hon. Members and members of the public to officials in the Department is not collected centrally and could only be collected at disproportionate cost to the Department.
	Information about Lords parliamentary questions is not available in this format and could only be collected at disproportionate cost to the Department. Information about Commons parliamentary questions is set out in the following table.
	
		Per cent
		
			   Parliamentary session Proportion of Commons parliamentary questions that were answered more than twenty working days after being tabled Proportion of Commons parliamentary questions that were answered more than sixty working days after being tabled 
		
		
			 2001–02 22 4 
			 2002–03 13 1 
			 2003–04 10 1 
			 2004–05 6 0 
			 2005–06 22 4 
		
	
	Note:
	The 2005–06 figures are for the period up to 31 December 2005. Twenty working days is used as an equivalent to one month and sixty working days is used as an equivalent to three months.

Council Tax Benefit

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average amount of council tax benefit is in payment to those aged over 60.

James Plaskitt: As at August 2005, the average weekly amount of council tax benefit in payment to those aged 60 and over in Great Britain was £13.61.

Council Tax Benefit

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average award of council tax benefit was in each local authority area in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Plaskitt: The information has been placed in the Library.

Debt Management

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many letters his Department sent to clients as part of its debt management activity in each quarter since Q2 2001.

James Plaskitt: This information is not available.

Departmental Assets

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 1 February 2006, Official Report, column 596W, on departmental assets, what estimate he has made of the cost of providing the information requested.

James Plaskitt: The determination of a disproportionate cost" response is made when the costs incurred in preparing the answer exceeds the stated £600 cost threshold. The costs that will be incurred to answer of 1 February 2006, Official Report, column 596W on departmental assets were significantly above this threshold.
	We were unable to provide the information requested as the details are not currently held centrally or in the format requested. To collate the required data would involve requesting information from approximately 1,700 departmental sites and a clerical correlation of the information. We estimate the cost to be approximately £16,000.

Overpayments

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average length of time was between an unrecovered overpayment being identified and a letter being sent to the debtor in each quarter since 2001.

James Plaskitt: This information is not available.

Overpayments

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department recovered from erroneous payments but has been unable to allocate to a specific debt case in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

James Plaskitt: We are not able to provide the figures requested. If the Department is unable to allocate receipts, it cannot specifically identify them as relating to debt repayments. All reasonable, practical and cost effective steps are taken to allocate receipts. If this is not successful, the money is surrendered to HM Treasury as Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts.

Pension Policy

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has a model to predict the distributional outcomes of changes to pension policy; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The Department uses a number of models to assess the distributional impact of changes to pension policy. These include models which calculate changes in pension outcomes for illustrative individuals, and more complex models which simulate the effects on a representative sample of pensioners. All such models provide an illustration of potential distributional effects under a particular set of assumptions, rather than a prediction of outcomes.

Post Office Card Account

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Staffordshire and (b) Tamworth constituency use the Post Office Card Account to receive benefits and pensions.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available in the format requested.
	Information showing the number of DWP benefit and pension payment accounts paid by direct payment into a Post Office card account for each parliamentary constituency has been placed in the Library.

Small Firms

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition the Department uses of a small firm.

James Plaskitt: There is no single definition of a small firm with terms such as small firm" and SME" (Small and Medium sized Enterprise) being used interchangeably. However, two of the most common definitions are those provided by the European Union and the Companies Act 1985. The Department uses the European Union definition consisting of headcount, turnover or balance sheet total.

TRANSPORT

A47 Multi-modal Study

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in implementing the conclusions of the A47 Norwich to Peterborough multi-modal study which reported in 2003.

Stephen Ladyman: Our response to the study in July 2003 asked the Highways Agency to monitor traffic flows and performance of the A47 and to implement small scale safety and management measures as part of its route management strategy. They were also asked to consider the case for smaller scale bypasses to the villages of Middleton and East Winch and to review the case later in the decade for upgrades between A1 and Sutton and between North Tuddenham and Easton. The Department recently received advice from the region on priorities for transport investment. We are currently considering this advice and expect to make announcements, including announcements relevant to the A47 corridor, later in the spring.
	We also provided Norfolk county council with funding, through the local transport plan programme of £1.395 million in December 2003 for a package of measures including the refurbishment of King's Lynn bus station and improved integration with the railway station; creation of a high-quality multi-modal interchange facility at Thetford railway station; improved bus stop infrastructure in Downham Market and pedestrian and cycling signing in market towns.

A47/A11

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to tackle congestion on the (a) A47 and (b) A11 in Norfolk.

Stephen Ladyman: The Highways Agency recently completed a congestion study report on the A47 between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth. The aim of the study was to identify where congestion occurs, is likely to occur in the future and to propose suitable remedial measures. A similar congestion study will be carried out next year on the A11, subject to funding.
	In line with the recently published public service agreement (PSA) target, the agency is now working to improve journey time reliability by preventing and clearing incidents efficiently, providing improved information to road users and through better planning of roadworks. This is in addition to completing road improvements, such as the A11 Attleborough Bypass.

Bus Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Kick Start programme in helping to establish new sustainable bus services; and whether he plans to set up further bidding rounds.

Stephen Ladyman: Kickstart projects awarded funding in 2003 in the initial pilot phase of the scheme are making good progress. Local authorities and operators are now taking forward the 43 projects awarded funding in November last year. We, jointly with the Scottish Executive, have recently commissioned consultants to carry out an evaluation of the Kickstart programme. The results of this will be available early next year. No decisions have yet been taken on future Kickstart competitions.

Bus Subsidy (Greater London)

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much bus subsidy has been provided in the Greater London area in each of the last 10 years.

Stephen Ladyman: The following tables outline bus subsidy awarded in London between 1994–95 to 2004–05:
	
		Bus subsidy in London (not adjusted for inflation)
		
			 £ million 
			  Public transport support1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Concessionary fare reimbursement7, 8 Bus service operators grant(9) Total (+ BSOG) RPI deflator 
		
		
			 At cash prices  
			 1994–95(4) 55 100 No data 155 1.286 
			 1995–96(4) 30 103 29 162 1.251 
			 1996–97(4) 12 106 29 147 1.209 
			 1997–98(4) 1 110 30 141 1.174 
			 1998–99(4) 12 113 37 162 1.144 
			 1999–2000(4) 10 117 46 173 1.122 
			 2000–01(4) 84 119 47 250 1.108 
			 2001–02(5) 186 129 56 371 1.081 
			 2002–03(5) 421 128 66 615 1.048 
			 2003–04(6) 560 132 80 772 1.021 
			 2004–05 549 143 91 783 1.000 
			   
			 Percentage change over:  
			 1 year -2 8 13 1 — 
			 10 years 898 43 — 405 — 
		
	
	(1) From administrative returns to ODPM.
	(2) Includes depreciation and renewal grant.
	(3) London data reflect changes at the time of preparation for the privatisation of LBL's buses.
	(4) From 1994–95 this was funded by L.T. From 2000–01 TFL took strategic control of London's bus network.
	(5) Operating loss of London Buses Ltd., as stated in their management accounts.
	(6) The congestion charge in central London raised funds which have not been set against expenditure in the table.
	(7) Concessionary fare reimbursement is a subsidy to the passenger rather than the operator.
	(8) Concessionary fare schemes for children became available in some areas from 26 October 1986. Free travel for those under 16 in London from September 2005.
	(9) Bus Service Operators Grant replaced Fuel Duty Rebate. It is paid by DFT directly to bus operators.
	Source:
	Local authority returns to ODPM (Revenue Out-turn RO2).
	
		Bus subsidy in London (real terms)
		
			 £ million 
			  Public transport support1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Concessionary fare reimbursement7, 8 Bus service operators grant(18) Total (+ BSOG) RPI deflator 
		
		
			 At 2004–05 prices  
			 1994–95(13) 71 129 No data 199 1.286 
			 1995–96(13) 38 129 36 203 1.251 
			 1996–97(13) 15 128 35 178 1.209 
			 1997–98(13) 1 129 35 165 1.174 
			 1998–99(13) 14 129 42 185 1.144 
			 1999–2000(13) 11 131 52 194 1.122 
			 2000–01(13) 93 132 52 277 1.108 
			 2001–02(14) 201 139 61 401 1.081 
			 2002–03(14) 441 134 69 645 1.048 
			 2003–04(15) 572 135 82 789 1.021 
			 2004–05 549 143 91 783 1.000 
			   
			 Percentage change over:  
			 1 year -4 6 11 -1 — 
			 10 years 676 11 — 293 — 
		
	
	(10) From administrative returns to ODPM.
	(11) Includes depreciation and renewal grant.
	(12) London data reflect changes at the time of preparation for the privatisation of LBL's buses.
	(13) From 1994–95 this was funded by L.T. From 2000–01 TFL took strategic control of London's bus network.
	(14) Operating loss of London Buses Ltd., as stated in their management accounts.
	(15) The congestion charge in central London raised funds which have not been set against expenditure.
	(16) Concessionary fare reimbursement is a subsidy to the passenger rather than the operator.
	(17) Concessionary fare schemes for children became available in some areas from 26 October 1986. Free travel for those under 16 in London from September 2005.
	(18) Bus Service Operators Grant replaced Fuel Duty Rebate. It is paid by DFT directly to bus operators.
	Source:
	Local authority returns to ODPM (Revenue Out-turn RO2).

Concessionary Travel

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether local authorities are required to spend the funding allocation for the concessionary travel scheme entirely on the provision of transport.

Stephen Ladyman: The funding for concessionary fares is unhypothecated; therefore the funding for concessionary fares is not separately identified. It is for local authorities to decide on their overall funding priorities based on their judgment of local need and circumstances.

GNER

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the East Coast Main Line franchise's performance indicators were met by the train operator in (a) the 12 months prior to the new franchise being awarded in March 2005 and (b) the 12 months after the awarding of the franchise.

Derek Twigg: GNER met all its franchise obligations in the 12 months prior to the commencement of its new franchise. Three franchise commitments were carried over into the new franchise agreement at the request of the Department for Transport. Since the commencement of the new franchise agreement, GNER has met all its obligations to date.

GNER

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of GNER's timetabled train services were cancelled in (a) the 12 months prior to the new franchise being awarded and (b) the 12 months after the awarding of the franchise.

Derek Twigg: The number of GNER's timetabled train services cancelled in the 12 months prior to the commencement of the new franchise (29 May 2004 to 30 April 2005 was 974 cancellations.
	The number of GNER's timetabled train services cancelled in the 10 months since the start of the new franchise (28 May 2005 to 4 February 2006 is 393 cancellations.

Foreign Registered Aircraft

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to report on the outcome of the consultation in respect of foreign registered aircraft based in the UK.

Derek Twigg: We have received a large response to this consultation and are currently working on a summary of these responses. We hope to have this document finalised shortly. Once this is done the document will be published on the Department's website and a copy will be sent to all those who responded to the consultation. This document will give an analysis of the responses received and explain how these have informed the Department's views.

Highway Code

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on revisions to The Highway Code; and who is being consulted thereon.

Stephen Ladyman: A periodical review of The Highway Code is currently taking place. Consultation on the proposed changes to the Code began on the 15 February and will conclude on the 10 May, with a view to publishing the revised Code during spring 2007. Significant proposed changes to the Code are set out in the DSA's consultation letter dated 15 February. All proposed changes are highlighted in the draft revised Code. DSA's letter, draft revised Code and list of organisations sent the consultation package can be found on the following website www.dsa.gov.uk/highwaycode/where anyone can suggest amendments to the Code.

Highway Code

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he has given the Driving Standards Agency on changes to the provisions relating to cyclists in the consultation on amendments to The Highway Code; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The Driving Standards Agency is taking forward the revision of The Highway Code, under Section 38 of The Road Traffic Act 1988. The consultation draft of the Highway Code, including the provisions relating to cyclists, represents the initial view of the Department for Transport, including the Driving Standards Agency, as a basis for public consultation. Much of it is similar to the previous version, with suggested changes to bring it up to date with current circumstances. We will carefully consider the responses to the public consultation before taking any final decisions on the Code's revised content.

Highway Code

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he has given the Driving Standards Agency on framing the planned consultation on the revision of The Highway Code.

Stephen Ladyman: The framework for revising The Highway Code is set out in Section 38 of The Road Traffic Act 1988. The consultation is also being done in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation.

M20

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents there were on the M20 starting at Trottiscliffe Road Bridge at junction 3 down to the on and off slips at junction 5 in 2005, broken down by (a) fatal, (b) serious and (c) slight.

Stephen Ladyman: In 2005 there have been 37 accidents on the M20 starting at Trottiscliffe Road Bridge at Junction 3 down to the on and off slips at Junction 5. The table shows the number of accidents broken down by degree of seriousness of personal injury.
	
		Number of accidents: from Trottiscliffe Road Bridge to Junction 5 before on/off slips
		
			  Fatal Serious Slight 
		
		
			 1 February-30 September 2005 1 2 22 
			 1 October-31 December 2005(19) 0 2 10 
			 Total 1 4 32 
		
	
	(19) provisional data

Public Transport (Accidents)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving (a) buses and (b) trains were recorded in (i) each English region, (ii) the Tees Valley and (iii) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in the last period for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of personal injury road accidents involving one or more buses in each English region, the Tees Valley and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in 2004 (the latest year for which figures are available) are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Personal injury road accidents involving one or more buses 
		
		
			 North East 602 
			 North West 856 
			 North West 1,184 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 1,015 
			 East Midlands 473 
			 West Midlands 719 
			 Eastern 486 
			 South East 985 
			 London 2,939 
			 South West 582 
			   
			 England 8,985 
			   
			 Tees Valley(20) 100 
			   
			 Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland(21) 4 
		
	
	(20) Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Darlington unitary authorities.
	(21) The accidents in the table are those that occurred within the 2004 boundary for the constituency.
	Information on accidents involving trains are published in the Health and Safety Executive's annual report on railway safety (http://www.hse.gov.uk/railways/annualreport04/index.htm), which is also available from the House of Commons Library. While most of the information is only available at a national (Great Britain) level, limited information (including fatal incidents) is available at county level.

Railways

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he received from (a) Transport for London, (b) regional transport boards and (c) passenger action groups about proposals to extend the Mayor of London's rail powers beyond the London boundary before his Department's consultation launch in March 2006.

Derek Twigg: Ministers and officials have engaged with a range of key stakeholders in developing the consultation proposals, including Transport for London and Regional Transport Boards.

Railways

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) incidents of and (b) prosecutions for (i) vandalism and (ii) trespass on (A) railway lines and (B) underground lines in London by (1) adults and (2) juveniles there were in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 101W given to the hon. Member for Brent, East (Sarah Teather).

Regional Transport Prioritisation

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department requires local public consultation as part of the Regional Transport Prioritisation process.

Stephen Ladyman: In launching the Regional Funding Allocations process last year we were looking to obtain a clear view of what each region saw as the priorities for spending in their region across the interrelated fields of housing, transport and economic development. In doing this we recognised there could be different factors at play in different regions, and so did not prescribe the exact approach which regions should follow in preparing their advice. However, guidance issued to the regions last July made clear that advice should, as far as possible, represent wide agreement across each region on what the region's priorities were and that it would be more credible to Government if it was the product of a wide consensus.

Road Traffic Accidents (Wild Animals)

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents involving deer were reported in 2004–05; and how many such accidents resulted in serious injury or fatality to drivers and passengers.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department does not collect information on personal injury road traffic accidents involving deer.

Rural Transport Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to disseminate best practice in providing innovative rural transport services.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department's Rural Bus Challenge scheme has provided funding for the development of many innovative projects which have successfully demonstrated the potential of new approaches to meeting rural transport needs.
	We have also published the following good practice guides relevant to rural transport:
	Good Practice Guide on Flexible Transport Services (July 2002)
	Good Practice Guide on the Delivery of Transport in Rural Areas (Oct 2003)
	Intermode—Innovations in Demand Responsive Transport (in conjunction with Greater Manchester PTE) ( June 2004)
	Good Practice Guide—Integrated Transport Measures in National Parks (Aug 2005)
	All these documents are available on the Department's website.

Rural Transport Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what support his Department (a) has given in the 2005–06 financial year and (b) plans to give in the 2006–07 financial year for rural transport services.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government are committed to improving public transport in rural areas. Local and central Government provides funding of £1.7 billion annually to support bus services, including those in rural areas.
	We have allocated grant to local authorities specifically for the support of rural bus services mainly in the form of Rural Bus Subsidy Grant (RBSG). In 2005–06 RBSG totalled £53 million. This will rise to £54.3 million in 2006–07.
	Last year we announced 'Kickstart' support, totalling £20 million, for 43 projects involving new and improved bus services which will become viable through growth in passenger numbers after an initial period of pump-priming from Government funds. 11 of these schemes will serve areas which are mainly rural in character.

UK Airports (General Aviation Reports)

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) civil and (b) state aircraft landing at UK airports are required to submit a completed general aviation report to (i) HM Revenue and Customs, (ii) UK police and (iii) Home Office immigration authorities.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	(a) Scheduled civil aircraft are not required to complete a general aviation report form. Non-scheduled civil aircraft are required to complete a combined general aviation report form to HMRC who then forward it to the local Police special branch and Home Office immigration authorities.
	(b) State aircraft arriving at UK designated airports are not required to complete a general aviation report form.

Vehicle Registrations

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will invalidate the registration of motor vehicles at 25 Duke Street, Chelmsford.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 22 March 2006
	I cannot comment on individual cases. The law does not allow a vehicle to be deregistered.

TREASURY

Bowel Cancer

John Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list correspondence between his Department and the Department of Health on the funding for the proposed bowel cancer screening programme; and if he will place the correspondence in the Library.

Des Browne: Treasury Ministers and officials have regular discussions with the Department of Health on a range of expenditure issues. No correspondence focussed specifically on the subject of funding for the proposed bowel cancer screening programme has been found.

Electoral Registration

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the electoral registration rates were in the period (a) before and (b) after 13 March 2006 in each ward in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, grouped according to constituency and region and listed in descending order.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 23 March 2006
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the electoral registration rates were in the period (a) before and (b) after 13th March in each ward in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, grouped according to constituency and region and listed in descending order. (60916)
	Ward level population estimates are needed to compare the number of registered electors and the estimated population in each ward. The latest available population estimates at ward level for England and Wales are for 30 June 2002 and for Northern Ireland the latest available ward level population data are from the 2001 Census (29 April 2001).
	A comparison, using these data, has been provided previously. I refer you to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the Official Report dated 20th December 2005, Column 2809W (Wales) and in the Official Report dated 19th January 2006, Column 1490 (England and Northern Ireland).
	No information is available for either electorate counts or ward level population estimates for any date following 13 March 2006.

Energy Efficiency

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to increase energy efficiency within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: I refer to my answer to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 31 October 2005, Official Report, column 733W. Additional measures taken since then include the upgrading and installation of improved controls of the air handling units in the building, and a planned change from night to daytime cleaning, which will further reduce lighting usage.

Mobile Phones

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people in London who had a mobile phone in each year since 2004–05; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 23 March 2006
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the number of people in London who had a mobile phone in each year since 2004–05. (60564)
	This data is not available. Up to and including 2005 we asked whether mobile phones were used by anyone in the household. So, if like most households, several people have mobiles, we'd only count it as one household with a mobile phone(s). Information relating to the use of Information and Communication Technologies by households and individuals are collected through the ICT access module of the ONS' Omnibus survey. The module is run three times within the first quarter of each year.
	From January we have reworded the question to target individuals, but the results are not yet available.

Mortality Rates (Carlisle)

Eric Martlew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mortality rate was for (a) chronic lung disease, (b) all forms of cancer and (c) coronary heart disease in Carlisle in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2004; and what the (A) neo-natal and (B) perinatal mortality rate was in Carlisle in these years.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 23 March 2006
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what the (a) mortality rate for (i) chronic lung disease, (ii) coronary heart disease and (iii) all forms of cancer, (b) neonatal mortality rate and (c) perinatal mortality rate was in Carlisle in (A) 1997 and (B) the last year for which figures are available.
	The latest year for which figures are available is 2004. These are provided in the table. The table also shows figures for 1997, adjusted to take account of revisions to the International Classification of Diseases, where appropriate.
	
		Death rates(22) from chronic lung disease, malignant cancers and coronary heart disease(23) and neonatal(24) and perinatal(25) death rates for Carlisle local authority(26), 1997 and 2004(27).
		
			  Mortality rates 
			  1997 2004 
		
		
			 Chronic lung disease 41.1 37.5 
			 Cancer 208.5 199.9 
			 Coronary heart disease 182.3 137.4 
			 Neonatal deaths 7.0 1.7 
			 Perinatal deaths 12.2 7.8 
		
	
	(22) Rates per 100,000 population standardised to the European Standard Population.
	(23) The causes of death for 2004 were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10):
	Chronic lung disease (Chronic lower respiratory disease)—ICD-10 J40-J47.
	Cancer (malignant neoplasms)—/CD-70 COO-C97.
	Coronary heart disease—ICD-10120–125.
	Deaths were selected using the original underlying cause.
	The causes of death for 1997 were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9). The codes used are listed:
	Chronic lung disease (Chronic lower respiratory disease)—ICD-9 490–494, 496.
	Cancer (malignant neoplasms)—ICD-9 140–208.
	Coronary heart disease-ICD-9 410–414.
	The introduction of ICD-10 for coding cause of death in England and Wales in 2001 means that data for chronic lung disease and cancer are not completely comparable with data for years before this date. The effect of the change in classification in 2001 on deaths from these causes is described in a report published in May 2002:
	Office for National Statistics. Results of the ICD-10 bridge coding study, England and Wales, 1999. Health Statistics Quarterly 14 (2002), 75–83.
	For chronic lung disease (chronic lower respiratory disease) and cancer (malignant neoplasms) the introduction of ICD-10 caused an increase of 3.2 per cent. and 2.3per cent. respectively in the number of deaths coded to these conditions in England and Wales. Deaths in 1997 from these causes have been adjusted to provide rates which are comparable with those for 2004.
	(24) Deaths under four weeks per 1,000 live births.
	(25) Deaths under one week plus stillbirths per 1,000 total live and stillbirths.
	(26) Usual residents of Hyndburn local authority. Deaths were assigned to this area using the November 2005 All Fields Postcode Directory.
	(27) Deaths registered in each calendar year.

Home Workers

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate the Office for National Statistics has made of the number of home workers; and how the number has changed since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 23 March 2006
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about home workers.
	The attached table gives the number of people in employment who were home workers, for the three months ending November each year from 1997 to 2005.
	Estimates are taken from the Office for National Statistics's Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		Number of people working from home(28)United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted
		
			 Thousand 
			  Homeworkers(28) 
			 Three months ending November, each year Total(29) Works mainly in own home Works in different places using home as a base 
		
		
			 1997 2,437 691 1,746 
			 1998 2,618 664 1,954 
			 1999 2,686 635 2,052 
			 2000 2,660 685 1,975 
			 2001 2,774 692 2,082 
			 2002 2,938 702 2,235 
			 2003 3,075 740 2,335 
			 2004 3,095 763 2,333 
			 2005 3,233 782 2,451 
		
	
	(28) Home workers are people who work mainly in their own home, or in different places using home as a base, in their main job.
	(29) Excludes those who did not answer the homeworking questions.
	Source:
	ONS, Labour Force Survey

Recycled Paper

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much income was raised from tax on (a) recycled paper and (b) virgin pulp in the last period for which figures are available.

John Healey: This information is not available. HM Revenue and Customs does not collect data at this level of detail on international trade or on VAT from individual goods and services.

Revenue and Customs

Maria Miller: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made by HM Revenue and Customs of the likely impact of closure of its Basingstoke office on residents and local businesses in Basingstoke; and whether the Department has completed an equality impact assessment of the closure.

Dawn Primarolo: HMRC carries out a detailed social, economic and service delivery impact assessment as part of the process of looking at individual locations which may be subject to reorganisation. This assessment includes the effect on staff and the provision of services for customers.

Stock Transactions Stamp Duty

John Battle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the stamp duty on stock transactions raised in each year since its introduction.

John Healey: Receipts from stamp taxes on share transactions for 1999–2000 to 2004–05 are available on the HM Revenue and Customs website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/stamp_duty/l5_1_sep05.xls.
	Receipts for previous years, where the information is available, can be obtained from the publication Inland Revenue Statistics", which is available in the Library of the House.

Tax Credits

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what statistics the Government collect on the distribution of earned income excluding tax credits.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 23 March 2006
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question concerning what statistics the Government collect on the distribution of earned income, excluding tax credits. (60616)
	The main source of earnings statistics is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This is an employer-based annual survey which is used to produce income broken down by age, gender, and workplace characteristics.
	The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a quarterly survey of households which allows the production of income statistics broken down by personal characteristics such as ethnicity and disability.
	The Family Resources Survey is a household survey collected by the DWP recording information on gross and net pay, fringe benefits, and sources of income.
	In addition, the Monthly Wages and Salaries Survey is an employer-based survey used to calculate short term earnings indices (for example the Average Earnings Index) indicating changes in mean earnings. The statistics are available from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nscl.asp?ID=8242.
	Other surveys do contain earnings questions, but these are not the main focus of the survey and are not generally used in the production of National Statistics.
	HMRC publishes statistics on earned income distributions, for income taxpayers only, which is available on their website; http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by-year.htm#36.
	The HMRC earned income information is based upon the Survey of Personal Incomes.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many photographs of domestic properties in England the Valuation Office Agency stores digitally.

Dawn Primarolo: The total number of domestic properties in England, as the total number of properties is currently around 22 million.
	The Valuation Office Agency holds photographs linked to 2.5 per cent. of domestic properties in England.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the pay scheme documentation, including incentive schemes, which is in operation for Valuation Office Agency staff.

John Healey: Copies of the documentation regarding the Valuation Office Agency's pay structure and incentive scheme have been placed in the Library as requested.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Equal Pay

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, if she will make a statement on the gender pay gap.

Meg Munn: The Government are determined to take action to address the causes of the gender pay gap highlighted by the Women and Work Commission in their report published last month and will issue an action plan within six months.

Sunday Trading

Andy Reed: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, what assessment she has made of the impact on work-life balance of liberalising Sunday trading hours.

Meg Munn: We are currently asking for views on all aspects of the impact of further liberalisation of Sunday trading hours.

Houses of Parliament

David Taylor: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, what recent assessment she has made of the gender balance in the membership of the Houses of Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The numbers of women MPs continues to increase—nearly 20 per cent. of MPs are now women compared with 9 per cent. before 1997. There are now 134 female peers in the House of Lords (18.5 per cent.). The UK is ranked 14th within the EU and internationally, 50th in the Inter-Parliamentary Union table of women's political representation. In the Devolved Administrations we are doing particularly well—50 per cent. of the Welsh MPs are women and 40 per cent. of Scottish MPs are women. Positive measures such as those included in the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act are necessary as there are more than 500 male MPs in the House of Commons now, but in the course of the history of the House, there have only ever been 291 women MPs.

Domestic Violence

James Brokenshire: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality, what steps the Government are taking to address violence in the home; and if she will make a statement.

Meg Munn: Building on the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, our updated national delivery plan, due to be launched on 28 March, is a comprehensive response to domestic violence. It aims to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence, ensure victims are adequately protected and increase the rate of reporting and successful prosecutions. The Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence, on which I sit, will oversee implementation.

Domestic Violence

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will discuss with the Home Secretary the possibility of the courts being provided with the power to include restraining orders in the sentencing of perpetrators of domestic violence.

Meg Munn: I sit on the Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence which is chaired by my noble friend Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC: the Home Office Minister of State for the Criminal Justice System and the lead Minister for domestic violence. This group provides the mechanism for performance managing the national delivery plan for domestic violence which includes the implementation of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004.
	The Act has been rolling out in stages since March 2005. Providing courts with the power to include restraining orders in the sentencing of perpetrators is not yet implemented. The timing of the implementation of this measure is currently being negotiated between the Home Office and the Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Careers Advice

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what assessment she has made of the merits of providing girls with advice on the way in which their career choices may impact their future pay and progression.

Meg Munn: Government recognise that the career choices made by girls at school could affect their earnings potential. The Women and Work Commission report that two-thirds of young women would have considered a wider range of career options had they known of the different pay rates.
	The 14–19 Education and Skills White Paper sets out an agenda that offers all young people wider choice of what and where to learn, and sets out clear objectives for information, advice and guidance that includes young people understanding the options open to them and their potential implications.
	One of the areas the Women and Work Commission looked at was the careers information and guidance available to girls at school. The Government are determined to take action to address all causes of the pay gap highlighted in the Women and Work Commission report and will issue an action plan within six months.

Careers Advice

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what assessment she has made of the role that improved career advice for girls could play in closing the pay gap.

Meg Munn: We recognise that good quality careers advice is essential in allowing girls to make informed decisions regarding their career choices. The Women and Work Commission's final report highlights that, three years after graduating, women earn 15 per cent. less than their male counterparts.
	The Government are committed, through initiatives such as the 'Computer Club for Girls', to encouraging girls to consider all types of career options available to them. Such initiatives work to reduce occupational segregation—a main factor influencing the gender pay gap.
	The Women and Work Commission presented their final report to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27 February. One of the areas they looked at was careers information, advice and guidance for girls. The Government are determined to take action to address all causes of the pay gap highlighted in the Women and Work Commission report and will issue an action plan within six months.

Flexible Working

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what measures the Government are taking to encourage businesses to provide more high-quality, high-paid flexible and part-time work at all levels, with particular reference to senior staff.

Meg Munn: The Government introduced, through the Employment Act 2002, a statutory duty on employers to consider seriously requests for flexible working from parents with children under six or disabled children under 18. The Government also published the Work and Families Bill in October 2005, which extends the right to request flexible working to carers of adults.
	The Government encourage all types of flexible working across the work force by providing detailed guidance that promotes the benefits and shares best practice. The Business Link service is a crucial part of the Government's campaign to promote enterprise and to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business. Business Link provides practical support and advice for employers and its website provides information about the benefits of, and different types of flexible working, including job-sharing and part-time working.
	The Acas online advice leaflet 'Flexible working' and their guide 'Changing patterns of work' aims to help employers and employees agree flexible working arrangements that provide benefits to both individuals and their organisations.
	The Women and Work Commission have looked at and made recommendations on the availability of quality part-time work including that at senior levels. The Government are determined to take action to address all causes of the pay gap highlighted in the women and work commission report and will issue an action plan within six months.

Flexible Working

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with trade unions about the role they can play in promoting flexible working.

Meg Munn: I have had a number of meetings with trade unions over the last year to discuss matters of interest, including flexible working. The Government work with a range of stakeholders, including the trade unions, to promote the benefits of flexible working.

Minimum Wage

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what assessment she has made of the effect of the national minimum wage on women.

Meg Munn: The national minimum wage has benefited around one million people each year since its introduction in 1999, and around two-thirds of those benefiting are low-paid women. The national minimum wage plays a part in narrowing the gender pay gap, as women are more likely to work in lower paid and often part-time jobs than men. The DTI estimates that two-thirds of the 1.3 million low-paid workers set to benefit from the October 2006 uprating will be women.

Women Workers (Public Services)

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps she is taking to encourage women who have left jobs in health and education to return to work in those services.

Meg Munn: The NHS has made great strides in recent years towards becoming a model employer. The NHS plan established the Improving Working Lives (IWL) standard, which states that every member of staff in the NHS is entitled to work for an organisation which provides a range of flexible working conditions and access to good quality, affordable child care. The increased provision of flexible working and child care has been an important incentive in encouraging former NHS staff back to work.
	Flexible working arrangements for medical staff were encouraged through the national flexible career and returner schemes for doctors, which provided incentives to employers to establish more part-time posts. In addition, between 1999 and 2004, the Department of Health co-ordinated a national return to practice scheme for other health care professionals, including nurses and midwives. Returners were eligible for financial support and help with child care, travel and books. Over 18,500 staff returned as a result of this national programme. All returner schemes are now operated by NHS employers depending on local priorities.
	Returning to Teach Courses run across England in eight out of nine Government office (GO) regions. Course providers are allocated a number of courses based on the GO's requirements in terms of teacher vacancies in that GO. Approximately 1,200 to 1,400 former teachers attend these 10-week long courses annually to update their skills, knowledge and to increase their confidence levels. 61 per cent. of course completers go on to return to teaching employment according to a recent February survey of 1,011 course completers. Course participants are supported with a £150 a week bursary, with additional support of up to £150 a week for each child or dependent incurring care costs.
	In addition to course provision to support former teachers in returning to teach, there is a Return to Teach support service commissioned and managed by the Training and Development Agency for Schools, The Return to Teach service supports former teachers by:
	1. Registering former teachers interested in returning to teaching employment
	2. Distributing welcome packs to former teachers newly registered with the Return to Teach service (which includes details of a magazine targeted specifically at former teachers hoping to Return to Teach; details of courses in their area and lists of useful contacts)
	3. A telephone support service with consultants who are themselves former teachers, to take inbound calling and to run outbound calling campaigns to target certain GO areas or teachers qualified in shortage subjects
	4. The 'Return to Teaching' magazine is sent to everyone on the database termly to keep former teachers in touch with curriculum changes and school organisational changes such as the additional support provided by support staff, to encourage them to make a timely return to the profession

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

National Minimum Wage

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the national minimum wage since its introduction; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Anderson), Official Report, column 395.

Manufacturing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to assist manufacturing in the west midlands; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Government are taking steps through the Manufacturing Strategy to encourage manufacturers in all regions to move to high value added production through the application of science and innovation, world-class practice and skills development.

Gas Prices

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on commercial gas prices.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government take the recent increases in energy prices very seriously and are very concerned about the impact on businesses. We are aware that this creates tough trading conditions, especially for energy intensive users. Prices have risen over the past year mainly as a result of increasing oil prices, leading to higher wholesale gas prices, and higher international coal prices. Recent periods of high gas prices during this winter reflect the supply-demand balance in the UK. We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to find solutions and to reduce the impact on those most affected.

Aerospace Industry

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to increase the competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry.

Alun Michael: In 2003, the Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team report set out the Government's vision for the UK aerospace industry. We aim to improve all aspects of the industry's productivity and competitiveness. We have drawn up and are implementing the National Aerospace Technology Strategy; we have set up the National Composites Network and supported it with investment of £30 million; and we are developing the sustainable aviation strategy.

China

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the most recent balance of trade with China is; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: In 2004 the UK's export of goods and services to China amounted to £3.4 billion; imports of goods and services amounted to £10.9 billion; giving a balance of trade in China's favour amounting to £7.4 billion.
	UK exports to China are growing strongly. Chinese figures for the first 11 months of 2005 shows that UK exports grew by 15 per cent. higher than any of our major European competitors (Germany 1 per cent. Italy 9 per cent.) with the exception of France (16 per cent.). As China's economy develops, new opportunities are becoming available to UK business. Ensuring that UK business is best placed to take advantage of this is a key priority for the Government.
	Many UK companies decide to invest in, rather than trade with, China. The UK is one of the largest investors in China (and the largest EU investor in China and Hong Kong combined) with a total of over 4,834 British-invested projects as of November 2005.
	UK Trade and Investment is leading on the Chancellor's Asia Task Force initiative and working actively with its Chinese counterparts on a range of market access and trade and investment issues through the UK-China Joint Economic Trade Commission.

Communications Act

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have been (a) charged, (b) convicted, (c) fined and (d) cautioned under the Communications Act 2003; and what the average level of fine levied has been.

Fiona Mactaggart: I have been asked to reply.
	Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of people prosecuted, found guilty, fined and cautioned under the Communications Act 2003 for England and Wales, is shown in the table. The Communications Act 2003 provisions came into force in April 2004. Figures have also been included for TV licence evasion offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts. Information on charges is not collected centrally.
	Court statistics for 2005 will be available in autumn 2006.
	
		Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates court, found guilty at all courts fined and cautioned for offences relating to the Communications Act 2003 and the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, in England and Wales, 2004(30)
		
			 Offence Act Offence description Cautioned Prosecuted Found Guilty Fined Average fine amount (£) 
		
		
			 Communications Act 2003 Offences in connection with information requirements — — — — — 
			 Communications Act 2003 S.125 Dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services — 17 16 4 92 
			 Communications Act 2003 S.126 Possession or supply of apparatus for contravening S.125 — 3 2 2 155 
			 Communications Act 2003 S.127 Improper uses of public electronic communications network — 214 143 31 145 
			 Communications Act 2003 and Wireless Telegraphy Acts Installing or using a television receiver without the appropriate licence and other summary offences 1 115,642 97,766 96,192 231 
		
	
	(30) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(31) Nil.
	Source:
	RDS—Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Cold Calling

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the consultation document Doorstep Selling and Cold Calling of July 2004, whether (a) primary and (b) secondary legislation would be required to extend the statutory cooling-off period for consumers entering into a contract as a result of an unsolicited visit to the same length of time following a contract as a result of a solicited visit.

Gerry Sutcliffe: On the basis of our assessment of the financial and numerical significance of solicited visits compared with unsolicited visits which are covered by the directive on contracts negotiated away from business premises (85/577/EEC), we have concluded that this change would require primary legislation.

Equal Treatment Directive

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made towards implementing EU directive 2004/113/EC on equal treatment in goods and services; and when he plans to bring forward enabling legislation.

Meg Munn: holding answer 17 March 2006
	The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 currently meets many of the requirements of the EC gender directive on equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (2004/113/EC). Work to implement the remaining requirements of the directive is being carried out as part of the Discrimination Law Review (DLR). The decision on which legislative vehicle should be used to transpose the directive has not yet been taken. This decision will determine the timing of its implementation.

European Space Agency

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in encouraging the European Space Agency to review its procurement policy of fair return.

Barry Gardiner: Following UK representation ESA and the EU will carry out a review of options for governance and implementation mechanisms for future European space activities. Procurement policy will be included in the review. The review will feed into the European Space Policy which is expected to be finalised in 2007. The UK will continue to participate in the relevant forum to ensure that the review is carried out thoroughly.

Industrial Support

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding his Department has provided to support the (a) aerospace, (b) agricultural, (c) automotive, (d) biotechnology, (e) chemical, (f) construction, (g) research and development and (h) tourism industry in (i) the North East and (ii) the Tees Valley in each of the last five years.

Alun Michael: It should be noted that the agricultural and tourism industries are likely to receive funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) respectively and figures are not available in the precise format specified in the question. Government funding for ONE North East, the Regional Development Agency for the North East of England, for the last five years amounts to:
	
		
			 Financial year Funding (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 158.2 
			 2002–03 195.9 
			 2003–04 222.6 
			 2004–05 225.6 
			 2005–06 243.9 
		
	
	Source:
	ONE North East
	ONE North East estimate that around 25 per cent. of its resources, or £262 million over the last 5 years, have been provided to support projects and initiatives in the Tees Valley sub-region, including resources devolved to the Tees Valley Partnership.
	In addition, since April 2002 ONE North East has administered the Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) and Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) schemes on behalf of DTI. Total spend on this scheme in the North East and Tees Valley sub-region is outlined in the following table:
	
		£ million
		
			 Financial year Total spend Tees Valley spend 
		
		
			 2002–03 11.900 0.945 
			 2003–04 18.133 3.110 
			 2004–05 19.532 5.120 
			 2005–06 14.644 3.245 
		
	
	Source:
	ONE North East
	ONE North East also administers the DTI Grant for Research and Development (previously Smart) scheme to encourage SMEs to undertake science and technology research and development activities. Spend on this scheme is outlined in the following table:
	
		£
		
			 Financial year Total spend Tees Valley spend 
		
		
			 2001–02 455,880 52,238 
			 2002–03 1,220,426 66,163 
			 2003–04 1,467,588 16,750 
			 2004–05 1,537,501 128,896 
			 2005–06 1,229,675 123,923 
		
	
	Source:
	ONE North East
	The Department also provides funding through a wide number of schemes, initiatives and collaborative programmes of direct and indirect benefit to the North East and the Tees Valley, including the business sectors identified in the question. These include:
	LINK and Technology Programme;
	Knowledge Transfer Partnerships;
	£630,000 allocated to the Biosystems Informatics Institute, Newcastle through the Harnessing Genomics" programme in 2004;
	A share of £5 million over a five year period (2002–07) to Newcastle's Life Knowledge Park (one of five Genetics Knowledge Parks, GKPs);
	Committed funding of £7.2 million to ONE North East under its University Innovation Centre (UIC) programme in 2002 to fund the North East UIC in Nanotechnology—a consortium of the five regional universities (including Teesside) plus industrial partners;
	Direct funding of £158,000 to a North East biotechnology company in 2003 by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
	£115,000 to commercial suppliers in the North East through the awarding of contracts by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) since 2001;
	Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF, jointly funded by DTI and DfES through HEFCE) has allocated £9.2 million (SRIF1, 2002–04) and 20.1m (SRIF2, 2004–06) towards capital and infrastructure projects in the North East's universities;
	Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF, jointly funded by DTI and DfES through HEFCE) has allocated £13 million through HEIF1 (2002–04) and HEIF2 (2004–06) to the North East's universities for projects benefiting business and the community;
	the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), the centre of excellence located at the Wilton Centre near Redcar.

Junk Mail

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures his Department is taking to combat the distribution of fake competitions and chain letters via junk mail.

Barry Gardiner: Customers who receive material through the postal system which may represent a scam or fraud of some kind should be advised to report the activity to relevant bodies (for example local Trading Standards and/or the police) for investigation and any appropriate action.
	Direct advertising mail is a legitimate method of marketing goods and services and we have no plans to take measures to prohibit or restrict such mail.

North West Regional Development Agency

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the companies in Cumbria which have received assistance from the North West Regional Development Agency since it was set up.

Alun Michael: The information is as follows:
	NWDA Response
	The NWDA has provided assistance to a large number of companies through various initiatives and through various outlets (Special Purpose Vehicles, Urban Regeneration Companies, large schemes and programmes such as Single Regeneration Budget). The following initiatives are operating or have operated in Cumbria since NWDA was set up in 1999.
	Initiatives
	Specific initiatives which NWDA has funded/contributed towards directly:
	Barrow Building the Future
	NW Farm Tourism Initiative
	Planning Facilitation Service
	Made in Cumbria
	North West Fine Foods
	North West Food Alliance
	Distinctly Cumbrian
	Market Towns Initiative
	Regional Rural Recovery Plan (to tackle the immediate impact of Foot and Mouth Disease)
	Redundant Building Grant/Rural Small Building Grant Scheme
	Farming Horizons Programme
	Cumbria Rural Regeneration Company
	Cumbria Tourist Board
	United Biscuits, Carlisle (in response to the Carlisle flood disaster in 2005)
	Project Access
	Inward Investment
	Companies assisted by the Inward Investment Team in NWDA:
	UCBSA
	Kangol Headwear Europe
	Maple Leaf Bakery
	E2
	The Shaw Group
	Kimberley Clark Corporation
	Mota Corporation
	MWH Global
	Fluor Government Group
	Pechiney Aviatube Ltd
	The following companies/businesses have been assisted through Selective Finance for Investment (SFI)/Regional Selective Assistance (RSA), which is administered by NWDA
	Mitchell's Auction Co Ltd
	Vertex Data Science Ltd
	C N Group Ltd
	Marl International Ltd
	Alcan Packaging UK Ltd
	Pechinery Aviatube Ltd
	Pentagon Chemical Holdings Ltd
	Diamould Ltd
	Camtex Corporation Ltd
	Barrow Travel Ltd
	Coordination Group Publication Ltd
	Maple Leaf Bakery Uk Limited
	New West Port Corporation Ltd
	Cumbrian Seafoods Ltd
	Retail Variations
	lomart Internet Ltd
	Bollman Headwear Europe Ltd
	James Walker & Co Ltd
	Oxley Developments Co Ltd
	Orcina Cable Protection Ltd
	Colour Gro Ltd
	Tornado Wire
	Alcan Packaging UK Limited
	BAE SYSTEMS Marine Ltd
	Subconsult
	Full Colour Printers Ltd
	Gravatom Engineering Ltd
	Abacus (Colour Printers) Ltd
	Kimberley Clark
	Brockhill Enterprises Ltd
	A1 Engineering Ltd
	Performance House Ltd
	Mike Miller Associates Ltd
	Liberata UK Limited
	Diamould Ltd
	Ardington Fulfilment Ltd
	A range of companies and businesses have been assisted by NWDA through Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) schemes.
	Round 2: Heart of Barrow; Cumbria Credits.
	Round 3: Allerdale (Salterbeck); Cumbria New Frontiers.
	Round 4: Carlisle Raffles; Maryport.
	Round 5: Barrow in Furness (Building Bridges); Cleator Moor Regeneration; Cumbria Rural Regeneration.
	Round 6: Distinctly Cumbrian; South Whitehaven; West Cumbria; Workington Regeneration.

Post Boxes

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Royal Mail's programme of re-instating collection tablets on post boxes is progressing; and how many tablets are outstanding.

Barry Gardiner: This is an operational matter for Royal Mail Plc. The Chief Executive has been asked to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Office

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with Citibank International plc as providers of the Post Office card account on the ending of the contract for the account; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Work and Pensions has a contractual arrangement with Post Office Ltd. for the Post Office card account; we do not have a contract with Citibank.Citibank was appointed by Post Office Ltd. to assist them with the running of the Post Office card account. Any discussions between Post Office Ltd. and Citibank are matters for the companies.

Post Office

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was of setting up the Post Office card account.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply.
	Information on the setting up costs of the Post Office card account is a commercial matter for Post Office Limited.

Post Office

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been carried out by his Department on the likely impact on other shops in the area where there is an existing post office of the ending of the Post Office card account.

Barry Gardiner: The future levels of business at post offices across the network and any other neighbouring shops will depend on many factors including usage by the local community and the outcome of ongoing discussions between Post Office Ltd and Department for Work and Pensions on what accounts, other than the Post Office card account, will be available after 2010.

Post Office

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to respond to the Post Office's report on Innovative Ways of Providing Post Office Services in Rural Areas; and what assessment he has made of the merits of a hub and spoke structure in some parts of the rural network.

Barry Gardiner: The Post Office pilot report will be a useful contribution to the Government's considerations of the future shape of the post office network. As the report is a factual account of the findings of the trials of new ways of delivering postal services, there are no plans to formally respond. We are considering the findings and will not announce any longer-term decision until all stakeholders have had time to review and debate the results of these trials.

Post Office

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices were in operation in each London constituency in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd., Alan Cook, the Managing Director has been asked to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Postcode Charges

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to introduce legislation to exempt local authorities from the royalty payment levied by the Royal Mail for use of postcodes.

Barry Gardiner: The Government have no plans to introduce any legislation along the suggested lines. Statutory obligations relating to the management of Royal Mail's Postcode Address File" are defined under Section 116 of the Postal Services Act 2000, which states that the File can be made available to any person who wishes to use it on such terms as are reasonable". This obligation is specifically governed under Condition 20 of Royal Mail's licence issued by Postcomm which states that the company shall furnish a copy of the File to any person who may request it upon payment of a reasonable charge".
	The management of the Postcode Address File" is currently the subject of a Postcomm consultation due to end on 3 May 2006. Government would encourage any interested party to use this opportunity to make their views known on the management of the PAF.

Royal Family

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to his Answer of 23 November 2005, Official Report, column 2049W, on the Royal Family, what costs arising from HRH the Duke of York's visit to the Middle East fell on his Department; and how much of these costs were (a) travel costs, (b) accommodation costs and (c) other costs.

Ian Pearson: This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Royal Mail Performance (London)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with Royal Mail on performance in delivery of mail in London; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: DTI Ministers and officials meet with representatives from Royal Mail on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues, including delivery performance issues.
	We have received assurances from Allan Leighton and Adam Crozier that the Board's top priority remains to improve Royal Mail's quality of service. This is reflected in the latest performance figures.
	Between October and early December 2005 94 per cent. of first class mail was delivered the next day, against a target of 93 per cent. Second class post beat its 98.9 per cent. target by 0.4 per cent. over the same three month period.

Telephone Preference Service Rules

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the reasons were for his decision to increase the maximum fine that is able to be imposed under breaches of telephone preference service rules.

Alun Michael: The increased penalty relates to persistent misuse of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services and is directed particularly at silent calls and does not concern breaches of the telephone preference service rules, which are dealt with by the Information Commissioner's Office. Last summer the Office of Communications (Ofcom) requested DTI to consider raising the maximum penalty, which could be levied by Ofcom from £5,000 to £50,000 against those that make nuisance silent calls, in view of mounting public and parliamentary concern. It was felt that the current maximum penalty was not sufficient for the level of consumer harm and worry that silent calls caused and that it was not a real sanction or deterrent. Ofcom proposed that the maximum penalty should be increased to £50,000. I agreed with Ofcom's proposal and launched a consultation on 31 October 2005, which closed on 24 January 2006. In response to the consultation there was overwhelming support for raising the maximum penalty and on 1 March 2006 I announced our intention to increase the maximum penalty to £50,000.

Trading Standards Investigations

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many trading standards investigations were carried out in each London borough in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: DTI does not collect specific information on the number of investigations undertaken by trading standards departments. However as part of the National Performance Framework for trading standards, we do ask that they tell us how many complaints from consumers they have dealt with and how many businesses were either inspected or given advice.
	The following data indicates trading standards activity across the 32 London boroughs during 2004–05—the latest year for which data is available.
	
		
			  Number of businesses visited or given advice Number of Consumer complaints responded to 
		
		
			 Corporation of London (32)— (32)— 
			 Inner London   
			 Camden 300 1,200 
			 Greenwich 112 1,114 
			 Hackney (32)— (32)— 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 194 1,067 
			 Islington 283 1,491 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 137 1,371 
			 Lambeth (32)— (32)— 
			 Lewisham 820 2,224 
			 Southwark n/a 3,000 
			 Tower Hamlets 61 3,001 
			 Wandsworth 620 2,449 
			 Westminster 1,046 3,026 
			
			 Outer London   
			 Barking and Dagenham (32)— (32)— 
			 Barnet (32)— (32)— 
			 Bexley 124 3,673 
			 Brent and Harrow 3,480 4,726 
			 Bromley 80 5,026 
			 Croydon 1,448 2,008 
			 Ealing 148 1,363 
			 Enfield 960 3,383 
			 Haringey 183 2,137 
			 Havering 1,254 402 
			 Hillingdon 506 3,480 
			 Hounslow (32)— (32)— 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 822 792' 
			 Merton 366 1,681 
			 Newham (32)— (32)— 
			 Redbridge (32)— (32)— 
			 Richmond-upon-Thames 902 3,067 
			 Sutton 346 3,414 
			 Waltham Forest 1,114 2,434 
		
	
	(32) No data available

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Air Passenger Duty

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what international development initiatives the revenue derived from the air passenger duty will fund.

Hilary Benn: The Chancellor of the Exchequer made a statement to the House on 2 March 2006, in which he stated that the UK will hypothecate part of its Air Passenger Duty to provide a long-term stream of finance to the International Finance Facility and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation.

Air Passenger Duty

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether development aid funded from air passenger duty will be additional to existing overseas development aid spending commitments.

Hilary Benn: The Chancellor told the House on 2 March 2006, that the UK will be using part of its existing Air Passenger Duty to fund the International Finance Facility for Immunisation and the International Finance Facility (IFF). The aim of the IFF is to frontload resources within the aid commitments announced by donors at Monterrey, Gleneagles and elsewhere, including the UK plans for public spending on aid announced by the Chancellor in the Spending Review 2004.
	The payments we make into these facilities would not be additional to existing overseas development aid commitments. However, with the substantial extra funds that the IFF could deliver to poor countries, the UK could reach the equivalent of the 0.7 per cent. Overseas Development Assistance/Gross National Income (ODA-GNI) target as early as 2008–09, several years earlier than without the IFF.

Air Passenger Duty

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether international development aid to be funded from hypothecated air passenger duty will be subject to economic policy conditions.

Hilary Benn: The UK will hypothecate part of its Air Passenger Duty to provide a long-term stream of finance to the International Finance Facility (IFF) and its pilot the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm).
	The IFF is an innovative financing instrument which will disburse money through existing development agencies. In the case of the IFFIm, the money generated is used to fund the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). The aim of the IFF is to provide an immediate increase in long-term predictable finance.
	Once an IFF-funded programme has been approved, the IFF will not impose any conditionality in addition to that already used by the disbursement agency. However, there is a high-level financing condition for the IFF which means that no new programmes will be approved in a country while it is in protracted arrears with the IMF.

Ethiopia

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost was of the Productive Safety Net Programme in Ethiopia; what assessment he has made of its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The current cost of the Productive Safety Nets Programme, which is one component of the Ethiopian Government's national food security programme, is £170 million per annum. DFID will contribute £30 million in this financial year (2005–06). The remainder will be provided by a consortium of other donors, including the World Bank and the European Commission. The Ethiopian Government contributes US $250 million to the other components of the national food security programme, but not to the Productive Safety Nets Programme.
	The Productive Safety Nets Programme is subject to regular reviews by donors and by the Government of Ethiopia. These reviews have demonstrated that the programme has delivered either cash or food to approximately 4.9 million targeted beneficiaries so far, and is beginning to show positive impacts on the livelihoods of very poor people.

International Women's Day

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations he has received regarding International Women's Day.

Hilary Benn: I have not received any representations specifically on the issue of International Women's Day. However, to mark this important occasion, DFID held a seminar on the theme of Women Defining Success" for staff in its offices in London and Glasgow.
	International Women's Day also saw the launch of the UK National Action Plan on implementation of UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security. DFID is one of the three Government Departments responsible for this action plan.

Oil Extraction

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many development projects supporting oil extraction his Department funded in the last 12 months; how much was allocated to each project; where each was located; and what percentage of total UK aid the funding represented.

Gareth Thomas: None.

Philippines

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of work undertaken by non-governmental organisations to combat child domestic work and trafficking of children in the Philippines; and whether his Department has funded such work.

Gareth Thomas: DFID has recently assessed a proposal from the International Children's Trust (ICT) for a programme with child domestic workers in the Philippines. Based on our assessment, we have agreed to provide approximately £320,000 to support the Trust's proposal. The ICT will work through a local partner, the Visayan Forum Foundation, where our support will meet the cost of operations for two years from April 2006. This is the first activity we have financed in the Philippines that will address this important issue and we will monitor and review the impact of the programme carefully.

Resource Extraction Projects

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the mineral and natural resource extraction projects in developing countries.

Gareth Thomas: DFID's primary involvement with mineral and natural resource extraction projects in developing countries is an indirect one, as a 'shareholder' in multilateral financial institutions, such as the World Bank group and the Regional Development Banks, which invest in projects in this sector. However, DFID monitors developments in the minerals and natural resources sector as part of a commitment to sustainable development and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
	DFID's main focus is on the general principles adopted in the environmental and social policies and procedures of the multilateral banks because these provide the framework within which the environmental and social impacts of specific projects are managed 'on the ground'. For example, DFID has been actively engaged in the Extractive Industries Review, which assessed the compatibility of World Bank's investments in the extractive sector with their missions of poverty reduction and sustainable development.
	More recently, DFID has also contributed to the International Finance Corporation's review of its environmental and social safeguards policies and procedures. These safeguards are a key tool to ensure the prudent management of the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries.
	DFID also provides support to the newly established Inter-Governmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development. The primary role of this Forum is to assist developing countries to manage their mineral wealth as a key component in their development strategies.

Sierra Leone

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the work of the Sierra Leonean Anti-Corruption Commission.

Hilary Benn: The Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been working to combat corruption since its creation in 2000. The work of the ACC covers all aspects of corruption—from prevention and community education to carrying out investigations and forwarding these for prosecution.
	UK Support to the ACC:
	Supporting anti-corruption efforts is one of the UK's top priorities in Sierra Leone. The UK has been supporting the ACC since its inception through the provision of funding and technical assistance to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the ACC. To date, the UK has provided just over £4 million to the ACC.
	Investigations and Prosecutions:
	A total of 551 cases have been investigated by the ACC from July 2000 to December 2005. Of these, 51 cases have been charged to court (37 to the High Court and 14 to the magistrates court), resulting in 21 convictions (16 High Court and 5 magistrates court).
	Prevention and Community Education:
	A National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NAGS) was launched by President Kabbah in February 2005. Following this, community education campaigns were launched throughout Sierra Leone to raise awareness on the strategy. Separate anti-corruption plans have been developed for key ministries where potential for corruption is highest.

Sudan

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Darfur.

Hilary Benn: I visited Sudan 20–22 February 2006. I spent a day in El Fasher, North Darfur where I met with the Acting Governor (Wali) of the state and the new AMIS Force Commander, General Ihekire. I also visited two Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps on the outskirts of El Fasher where I met with IDPs and non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives. In Khartoum, I met with Vice Presidents Taha and Kiir, Foreign Minister Lam Akol, representatives of the AU, the UN Special Representative Jan Pronk as well as UN Agency and non-governmental organisation (NGO) heads.
	The humanitarian situation in Darfur has stabilised and is much better than in 2004 largely due to the enormous international effort. Huge problems remain, however, with 1.8 million people still in camps unable to go home and 3.4 million people dependent on humanitarian aid. This progress has, however, to be set against a serious deterioration in security. In addition to the clashes between rebels and Government forces and tension along the border with Chad, increasing lawlessness and banditry is becoming a major concern. The insecurity is severely hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance, leaving many people intensely vulnerable.
	In my meetings with Government representatives, I reinforced the message delivered by the Foreign Secretary at the Abuja talks on 14 February, namely that the lack of progress on Darfur is unacceptable. The parties to the Abuja peace talks must negotiate urgently and in good faith. Both sides need to show by their actions on the ground that they are serious about a peace deal; both must co-operate with, and neither hinder nor threaten, AMIS and the international community in Darfur; and all must end the climate of impunity.
	I discussed the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). The AU have done a good job in deterring violence in the region in very difficult circumstances, but the AU force was not designed or configured for long-term operation. We need to strengthen the international operation in Darfur, which means handing over from the AU to a bigger UN force with a stronger mandate. I welcome the decision taken by the AU Peace and Security Committee on 10 March, to support, in principle, transition to a UN force in Darfur. The new AMIS Force Commander briefed me on the current unpredictable security situation and his plans for addressing the challenges facing AMIS. To help ensure AMIS maintains its effectiveness, I announced a further £20 million in UK support to the mission.
	I also took the opportunity to announce a £40 million contribution to the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF), a pioneering multi-donor fund, administered by the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator. This will help enable the UN to react more quickly and more flexibly to both identified and unforeseen needs, not only in Darfur but across all of Sudan.

Sustainable Development

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking to promote sustainable development in the developing world towards the reduction of global greenhouse gases; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID takes the issue of climate change very seriously. We are working with others, in particular the World Bank and other multilateral development banks, to increase investment in low carbon energy, particularly in developing countries. This is in line with the Gleneagles Plan of Action for Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development, which the G8 signed up to in July 2005. This included commitments to encourage increased investment in cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.
	Specifically, the World Bank and Regional Development Banks are developing the Energy Investment Framework to address obstacles to investment in low carbon development and encourage both public and private sectors to invest more in clean energy in developing countries. The Framework will also look to improve the effectiveness of existing strategies in developing world countries, for example, by integrating climate change into transport sector strategies.
	In addition to this, the Government have been supporting EU efforts to promote low carbon energy in developing countries. At the EU-India Summit in September 2005, both parties agreed to launch an EU-India Initiative on Clean Development and Climate Change. One aim of the Initiative will be to increase funding and promote public-private partnerships for research and development of cleaner technologies. It will also look to reduce the price gap between cleaner" and less efficient" technologies.
	Similarly, an EU-China Partnership was signed in September 2005. As a focal part of this, the UK is supporting a new initiative on near-Zero Emissions Coal with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to address the challenge of tackling increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the use of coal in China. The aim is to bring forward the time when new Chinese coal plants are built with CCS. Near-Zero Emissions Coal and large-scale deployment of CCS in China could halve their projected emissions by 2030. This will be a significant achievement as on current levels China is set to overtake the United States as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the next 20 years.

Uganda

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on recent discussions with the Government of Uganda on (a) the humanitarian situation and (b) its support for a negotiated end to the conflict in the north of the country.

Hilary Benn: We have regular discussions with the Government of Uganda on the humanitarian situation in the north and efforts to end the conflict, both at ministerial and official level.
	Most recently, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, attended a ministerial meeting in Geneva on 20 March to discuss how best to take forward international community efforts to address the conflict and its humanitarian consequences. At the meeting high-level delegations from the UK, US, Netherlands, Norway, United Nation agencies and the Government of Uganda discussed a range of proposals for better political involvement and strengthening the co-ordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance on the ground. The next step will be detailed follow up at official level in Kampala over the next few weeks.
	We have been one of the largest humanitarian donors in Uganda over the last five years and this year we have provided over £20 million in humanitarian assistance. We have also provided financial support for conflict resolution and mediation. We have a major commitment to help end the conflict and rebuild the shattered communities of northern Uganda.

World Food Programme

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what criteria he uses to assess whether the UK Government contribute to the World Food Programme's disaster derivative insurance scheme;
	(2)  what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had on contributing to the World Food Programme's disaster derivative insurance scheme;
	(3)  what his assessment is of the World Food Programme's decision to buy natural disaster insurance cover in case of drought in Ethiopia.

Gareth Thomas: The World Food Programme's (WFP) pilot drought insurance project was launched in Ethiopia earlier this year, for one year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had discussions with the WFP on this issue, but DFID officials have followed the project's evolution closely and, with other WFP members, have provided detailed feedback in the WFP executive board meetings and privately to the secretariat. The Government are not contributing to this pilot, which has received the funding it needs from other sources. The key criterion we will use in deciding whether or not to contribute to any future schemes will be the extent to which we believe they can ensure timely and reliable delivery of assistance to those who need it most.
	The current pilot in Ethiopia is designed to benefit farmers whose livelihoods are threatened by drought of the severity experienced on average once every 10 years in Ethiopia. It does not target all those whose lives are threatened by insufficient food. They would depend on other mechanisms, including emergency food aid operations and the existing Productive Safety Nets Programme in Ethiopia; DFID contributes resources to both.
	Over the past 15 months, the UK Government have proposed a number of reforms aimed at making the humanitarian system more effective. These include investing 10 per cent. of emergency response funds in measures to prevent, or reduce the impact of, future disasters, and reforming and expanding the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund, to enable the UN to launch an immediate response wherever it is needed. DFID will continue to monitor the WFP's scheme and other developments in the area of disaster insurance.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Business Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether a de minimis size is set for (a) a business property and (b) a piece of permanent stationary business equipment to be liable for business rates.

Phil Woolas: There is no minimum size below which a hereditament is not liable for business rates. However, size may in certain very particular circumstances specified in the Valuation for Rating (Plant and Machinery) (England) Regulations 2000 be one factor in determining whether a piece of equipment is rateable.

Business Rates

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the business rate liability is for a (a) pico cell, (b) micro cell and (c) macro cell mobile phone mast.

Phil Woolas: The liability for business rates of any hereditament is calculated by multiplying its rateable value by the appropriate multiplier and applying any applicable reliefs. The rateable value, determined by the valuation officer, of hereditaments, which includes mobile phone mast installations, is a professional view of the annual rent of the individual hereditament established in accordance with the provisions of schedule 6 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988, at a set date—1 April 2003 for the current 2005 rating lists. The rateable value for these types of mobile phone masts would depend on, and be reflective of, rental evidence from the locality in which they are sited.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for comprehensive performance assessment.

Phil Woolas: It is anticipated that the current framework for single tier and county council comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) will be in place until 2008. The Audit Commission has recently consulted on its approach to the assessment of district councils during the same period, and is due to confirm its approach shortly.
	No decisions on the future of CPA beyond 2008 have yet been made.

Government Offices for the Regions

Robert Syms: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of Government offices for the regions staff are (a) male and (b) female.

Jim Fitzpatrick: As of 17 March 2006 the Government offices for the regions staff in post is made up of 53.7 per cent. female and 46.3 per cent. male staff.

Government Offices for the Regions

Robert Syms: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of Government offices for the regions staff are in each ethnic group.

Jim Fitzpatrick: As of the 17 March 2006 the proportion of staff in each ethnic group for the Government offices for the regions is illustrated in the following table;
	
		
			 Ethnicity Percentage 
		
		
			 Bangladeshi 0.29 
			 Indian 2.18 
			 Pakistani 0.61 
			 Any other Asian background 0.5 
			 African 0.86 
			 Caribbean 1.72 
			 Any other black background 0.14 
			 Any Chinese background 0.18 
			 Asian and white 0 
			 Black African and white 0 
			 Black Caribbean and white 0 
			 Any other mixed ethnic background 0 
			 White background 77.48 
			 Any other ethnic background 0.86 
			 Non-respondents 15.18 
			 Total 100

Local Authority Managers

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of managers in local authorities are (a) from ethnic minority backgrounds and (b) female.

Phil Woolas: The most recent best value performance indicators show that in 2004–05 29.5 per cent. of the top earners (top 5 per cent.) in English local authorities were women, and 2.9 per cent. were from black and minority ethnic communities.

Local Government Pensions

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of the Local Government Pension Scheme in 2006–07.

Phil Woolas: I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) on 9 March 2006, Official Report, column 1750W.

Local Government Pensions

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the legislative timetable is for the abolition of the 85 year rule and the associated reform of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Phil Woolas: A statement will be made shortly.

Local Government Pensions

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what authority the trustees of the local government pension scheme were permitted to allow employees to reduce their contributions to the local government pension scheme from 1988 onwards.

Phil Woolas: The regulations governing the local government pension scheme in England and Wales were amended in March 1990 to require that local government pension funds should be able to meet 75 per cent. of their existing and prospective viabilities. This provision was subsequently amended in March 1993 when the original requirement, that funds should at all times be solvent, was reinstated. That requirement still applies.
	The local government pension scheme has no trustees. Being a public service pension scheme, statutory responsibility for its stewardship at local authority level rests with the elected members of the appropriate authority.

Local Government Pensions

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the deficits were, expressed as a percentage of total liabilities, of funds within the Local Government Pension Scheme following the 2004 valuation.

Phil Woolas: As at 31 March 2004, the 89 Local Government Pension Scheme funds in England and Wales had assets overall covering 74 per cent. of their liabilities.

Local Government Restructuring

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2006, Official Report, column 2240W, on local government restructuring, if he will list (a) each council that was represented at the Shrewsbury event and (b) the councils represented at each of the six other meetings.

Phil Woolas: Officers and members of the county and district councils of Shropshire attended the event held in Shrewsbury on 7 February, in addition to those from Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire County, Worcester City, Wychavon district and Herefordshire councils.
	An invitation to attend a meeting with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister officials to discuss governance and structures was extended to the chief executives of all county, district and unitary (other than London borough and metropolitan district) councils. A total of eight meetings have now been held. A list of those councils that indicated their intention of attending a meeting has been sent to the hon. Member. A record of actual attendance at each meeting is not held.

Mobile Phones

Maria Miller: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he has issued to local authorities on the level of mobile phone coverage which should be available in advance of new housing developments being approved.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Planning policy note 8: 'Telecoms' states
	In considering planning applications for other forms of development, planning authorities will wish to consider telecommunications issues. They should encourage prospective developers of new housing, office and industrial estates to consider with all relevant telecommunications operators how the telecommunications needs of the occupiers will be met."

Spending Review (Efficiency Targets)

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what total efficiency savings were achieved by his Office in 2004–05; and whether these count towards the agreed efficiency target for his Office set out in the 2004 Spending Review.

Phil Woolas: On the most recent evidence the ODPM central efficiency programme achieved some £204 million efficiency gains in 2004–05. These count towards our agreed efficiency target.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2005, Official Report, column 587W, on the Valuation Office Agency, in what image format the digital images of domestic properties are stored.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	The Valuation Office Agency stores digital images in JPEG (JFIF compliant) format.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much the Valuation Office Agency spent on (a) video cameras, (b) camcorders and (c) related electronic equipment in the last five years for which figures are available; and how many such cameras were purchased in each year.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	Details of expenditure by the Valuation Office Agency on (a) , (b) and (c) , in the last five years, are shown in the following table. One camcorder and related electronic equipment, including an editing workstation and video recorder/player, was purchased to support effective internal communications via the Agency's intranet—it is neither available to, nor used by, staff for any other purpose.
	
		£
		
			  (a) Video cameras (b) Camcorders (c) Related electronic equipment 
		
		
			 2001–02 0 0 0 
			 2002–03 0 0 0 
			 2003–04 0 0 0 
			 2004–05 0 (33)1653.00 5030.00 
			 2005–06 0 0 0 
		
	
	(33) Quantity = one.

Valuation Office Agency

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 28 November 2005, Official Report, column 215W, on the Valuation Office Agency, if he will place in the Library a copy of the information and training guidance provided to Agency staff.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 6 February 2006, Official Report, column 1038W. A copy of what the Valuation Office Agency makes permanently available to its staff, on the personal safety of inspectors conducting a valuation of a property, was included in the information placed in the Library.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2006 to the hon. Member for Meriden, Official Report, column 1699W, on the Valuation Office Agency, how many properties the Agency inspected in England in the last year for which figures are available for (a) council tax and (b) business rate purposes.

Phil Woolas: The number of properties the Valuation Office Agency inspected for (a) council tax and (b) business rates purposes is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the Ordnance Survey has provided the Valuation Office Agency with maps on (a) a 1:500 and (b) 1:1250 scale in the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Ordnance Survey has not provided the Valuation Office Agency with any maps at 1:500 scale. Ordnance Survey has provided the Valuation Office Agency with 1:1250 maps for all areas of GB mapped at that scale.

Waste Disposal Sites

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidelines the EU has issued on the siting of (a) landfill sites and (b) sites dealing with hazardous waste close to housing; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	We are not aware of any such guidelines. Article 4 of the waste framework directive (75/442/EEC as amended) requires member states to take measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment.

Your Say" Campaigns

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total public expenditure was on the Your Say" regional assembly publicity campaigns in (a) the North East, (b) North West and (c) Yorkshire and Humberside.

Phil Woolas: The total sum spent on the Your Say" information campaign across all three regions was £3.24 million.
	The breakdown was as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 North East 1.22 
			 North West 1.07 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 0.95

DEFENCE

Antenna Test Facilities

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Department has for antenna test and measurement facilities at Pershore.

Adam Ingram: As part of its site rationalisation programme, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is planning to move its antenna test and measurement facility at Pershore to either Porton Down or Fort Halstead.
	A final decision is dependent on identifying a suitable location on one of the sites. This decision will be influenced by both the size of the facility and the suitability of electrical environment.

Defence Export Services Organisation

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the operating costs of the Defence Export Services Organisation were in the last three financial years; and what the (a) expenditure and (b) receipts of the organisation were in each year.

Adam Ingram: Operating costs for the last three financial years are as follows.
	
		
			  £ Million 
			 Financial year Expenditure Receipts Net operating costs 
		
		
			 2003–04 58.348 -42.203 16.145 
			 2004–05 59.960 -43.038 16.922 
			 2005–06(34) 51.6 -38.0 13.6 
		
	
	(34) The figure for 2005–06 is a forecast.
	The net operating costs are offset by benefits to the defence budget arising from
	DESO activities.

Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many staff are employed by the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre; and what its net operating cost was in the last year for which figures are available;
	(2)  what the budget of the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) is for 2005–06; and how many persons are employed within the DIS.

Adam Ingram: The Defence Intelligence Staff budget for 2005–06 is £269.2 million net. It employs some 4,700 staff. The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre is a part of the Defence Intelligence Staff. Its staffing level and net operating cost for 2004–05 was published in the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Annual Report in July 2005. A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.

Discharged Personnel (Social Housing)

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the circumstances under which a member of the armed forces will be considered to have local connections for the purposes of obtaining social housing on discharge.

Don Touhig: holding answer 6 March 2006
	There have been no meetings between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the issue of service personnel having a local connection for the purposes of obtaining social housing. Officials of the two Departments have discussed housing issues generally in relation to service personnel.

NATO and EU (Funding)

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the level of UK funding to (a) NATO and (b) defence policy and activities of the European Union has been since 1997.

Adam Ingram: The UK's contribution to NATO's three common funded budgets (the Military Budget, the NATO Security and Investment Programme and the Civil Budget) since 1997–98 is as follows.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 123.072 
			 1998–99 117.840 
			 1999–2000 123.968 
			 2000–01 118.585 
			 2001–02 126.616 
			 2002–03 125.850 
			 2003–04 104.433 
			 2004–05 134.947 
		
	
	There is no common budget for the defence activities of the EU; instead, commonly funded costs incurred by specific military operations and exercises are apportioned to Member States. The first such operation was launched in 2003. The UK's share of these costs has been as follows.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2003–04 0.742 
			 2004–05 9.319 
		
	
	In addition, the UK has contributed the following to the budget of the European Defence Agency since its launch in July 2004.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2004–05 1.047 
			 2004–05 2.369

Hooding

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2006, Official Report, column 1535W, on hooding, 
	(1)  when officials first became aware that the order in question was no longer being adhered to;
	(2)  what the grades were of the officials concerned.

Adam Ingram: Ministry of Defence officials of a variety of grades were aware of the General Officer Commanding's Order banning hooding in April 2003. Officials became aware that the order in question was no longer being adhered to in September 2003.

QinetiQ

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of defence research contracts by (a) number and (b) value his Department has awarded to (i) QinetiQ and the (ii) Defence Evaluation and Research Agency in each year since 2000; and what proportion of those contracts were passed on to third parties.

John Reid: In financial year 2001–02 the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency was split into two organisations: the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) staying as a Trading Fund within the Ministry of Defence, and QinetiQ becoming a private company. The value of research work placed within MOD (intramural) and outside of MOD (extramural) is published in the annual National Statistics publication UK Defence Statistics" (Chapter 1.7 in the 2005 edition). A copy of this is held in the Library of the House.
	It is not meaningful to talk in terms of number of contracts, as the MOD has a single formal enabling contract with QinetiQ and specific tasks are normally awarded against that contract.
	The proportion of research work placed to different suppliers is outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy" (section A5.23), a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.
	Data on the proportion of contracts passed by QinetiQ to a third party are not held centrally and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

QinetiQ

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the flotation of QinetiQ on (a) site improvements at Fort Halstead and (b) the transfer of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory staff from Malvern to Fort Halstead.

Don Touhig: The flotation of QinetiQ will have no impact on either the relocation of staff from Malvern to Fort Halstead or the planned site improvements. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is the occupying authority and will continue to manage the estate improvements under the terms of the long head lease.

RAF Cosford (Museum)

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to expand the RAF museum at Cosford.

Don Touhig: As the RAF museum is a non-departmental public body, decisions on its future plans are a matter for the board of trustees and the senior management team.
	The RAF museum at Cosford is currently expanding to house an exhibition entitled 'Divided World—Connected World' about the cold war. The Ministry of Defence provided £1 million towards the cost of this project, and completion is expected in late 2006.

Small Firms

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what definition the Department uses of a small firm.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence does not use any single definition of a small firm with terms such as small firm" and SME" (Small and Medium sized Enterprise) being used interchangeably. In reporting data about business placed with SMEs we define an SME as a firm employing under 250 people.

Spitfire (70th Anniversary)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to commemorate the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the launch of the Spitfire.

Don Touhig: Yes. The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire plans to participate, with other (non-RAF) Spitfire owners at three 70th anniversary themed events:
	RAF Waddington on 1–2 July 2006
	Dunsfold on 27 August 2006
	Duxford on 2–3 September 2006
	The BBMF website and 2006 brochure also have articles commemorating the 70th anniversary.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Child Sex Abuse

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2006, Official Report, columns 1230–1231W, on child sex abuse, when a decision will be made on whether to move to the new database under consideration; what factors will be taken into account when deciding whether to move to a new database; how child sex abuse allegations will be tracked until a decision is made; and how the Police Service of Northern Ireland will collate clusters of allegations around particular individuals until a decision is made.

Shaun Woodward: In addition to the three databases I referred to in my answer to the hon. Gentleman of 8 February 2006, Official Report, columns 1230–1231W, which already provide effective monitoring of sex offenders, the PSNI is monitoring the development of a system of tracking vulnerable children and case management for CARE Teams. This is being progressed by the UK's Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), and the timing of its introduction is outside PSNI control. In the interim PSNI is considering introducing a system called CATS—Case Administration and Tracking System, (a stand-alone computerised system developed by Capital One Bank), which is being used by approximately 13 other UK police forces. This system is still under evaluation.

Co-ownership Schemes

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ensure that the co-ownership scheme that applies to first time house buyers has a maximum house valuation that is uniform across Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The value limits which apply to the co-ownership scheme are linked to average house prices in the various district council areas thus ensuring that the scheme can react to price variations across Northern Ireland. The introduction of a uniform price limit for the whole of Northern Ireland would disadvantage those wishing to purchase homes in district council areas where house prices are above average.

Data Sharing

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the extent is of data sharing on individuals between Government Departments and agencies in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

Angela Smith: The Northern Ireland Office and the 11 NI Departments and their agencies within Northern Ireland share information with the Republic of Ireland. The nature of the information shared is largely on a case-by-case basis and covers a number of areas which I summarise as follows:
	Driver record information relating to exchanges of NI driving licences in Ireland to local authorities in Ireland under the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981.
	Information relating to Digital Tachograph cards.
	EC regulations concerning the operation of vehicles, driver directives and the carriage of goods.
	Information in relation to investigations under the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste.
	Planning applications for waste management.
	Information on jointly funded cross-border grants programmes such as Peace and Intereg.
	Applicant, vessel and operation details on the allocation and management of Seed Mussel stocks, including individual holding licensed sites with the Seed Mussel Allocation Committee (SMAC).
	Information in certain circumstances for the purposes of calculating social security benefit entitlement and the identification of benefit fraud.
	Information with the Republic of Ireland for the purposes of aiding enforcement and prosecution action in either or both jurisdictions in respect of illegal manufacturing, sale or supply of medical products.
	Occasionally as part of cross-border investigations, DNA profiles for the purpose of the detection of crime.

Early Release Scheme

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether prisoners who participated in the early release scheme in 1998 were given financial assistance or incentive from the public purse (a) at the time of and (b) subsequent to their release.

Shaun Woodward: At their time of release, prisoners were given a discharge grant in line with that given to all persons released from prison. There was no special provision for early release prisoners. Early release prisoners were also able to claim state benefits from their date of release.
	In addition, funding was made available to ex-prisoner groups by various Northern Ireland departments and the Northern Ireland Office. This included Peace and Gap funding.

Education (Employees)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees there are in the (a) maintained, (b) controlled, (c) integrated and (d) Irish language sectors of education in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The number of employees, including both teaching and non-teaching staff is as follows:
	
		
			 Education sector Employees 
		
		
			 Maintained 17,492 
			 Controlled 20,950 
			 Integrated 2,153 
			 Irish Language 119

Fire Services (Hoax Calls)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hoax callouts of fire service personnel there were in Northern Ireland in 2005.

Shaun Woodward: The number of hoax calls responded to by the Northern Ireland fire and rescue service in 2005 was 1,358.

Omagh Bombing

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has commissioned a report on the 1998 Omagh bombing; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: When the Prime Minister met the families of the Omagh Bombing victims in November last year, he assured them that the investigation into the atrocity was very much ongoing. This is still the case and the Government remain committed to ensuring that the truth is established.
	Our priority is that those responsible should be brought to justice, and we must ensure that energy is applied to pursuing these criminal investigations.
	The hon. Member will be aware that Sean Gerard Hoey was charged with the 29 murders on 4 May 2005. The case is expected to come to trial in September 2006.
	While the Government do not rule in or out the possibility of a public inquiry, we should wait and see what the trials produce first.

Prison Service (Expenditure)

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average daily sum spent by the Prison Service in Northern Ireland on feeding (a) adult prisoners and (b) young offenders was in the last year for which figures are available.

Shaun Woodward: The average daily sum spent during 2004–05 by the Northern Ireland Prison Service on feeding (a) adult prisoners was £2.43 and (b) young offenders was £2.21.

Private Rented Accommodation

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average rental cost of two bed accommodation in Northern Ireland's private sector was in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: The only information available is the average rental cost of two bedroom accommodation in Northern Ireland for the period 2002–03–2005–06, based on private sector housing benefit payments, as follows:
	
		Average rental cost per two bedroom accommodation (per week)
		
			 Financial year £ 
		
		
			 2002–03 70.71 
			 2003–04 73.54 
			 2004–05 77.09 
			 2005–06 80.32

PRIME MINISTER

Downing Street (Events)

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  on how many occasions since 1 May 2005, 10 Downing Street has been made available for Labour Party events; and what income has been derived from such use;
	(2)  pursuant to his answer of 17 March 2006 to Question 59525, on Downing Street events, how many political events on behalf of the Labour Party he hosted in 2005; and what income was derived from those events for public funds.

Tony Blair: As was the practice under previous administrations and in accordance with the Ministerial Code (4.2), I have hosted a number of political events at Downing Street. The costs of which were met by the Labour Party.

Asda

Ian Davidson: To ask the Prime Minister on what dates meetings have taken place between officials in Number 10 Downing Street and representatives of Asda, including Asda's parent company Wal-Mart, in the last 12 months; and if he will list the participants.

Tony Blair: My officials and I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a wide range of subjects. Information relating to internal meetings, discussion and advice is not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.

Audio Recorded Conversations

Harry Cohen: To ask the Prime Minister whether he has audio recorded conversations in his role as Prime Minister; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: No, except for media interviews.

Freedom of Information Act

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister what changes he has made to administrative procedures within 10 Downing Street following the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Tony Blair: The Freedom of Information Act is now part of the routine business of government. Officials have been provided with guidance on the Act.

Freedom of Information Act

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he takes to ensure that his answering practices are consistent with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Tony Blair: Practice and procedures are set out in the February 2005 Cabinet Office guidance to departments entitled Guidance to Officials on Drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions." Copies of the guidance are available in the Libraries of the House.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Peter Law: To ask the Prime Minister what the basis was for his statement to the Liaison Committee on 8 February that international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions needs to be agreed by 2012 to avoid an ecological tipping point on climate change.

Tony Blair: The Kyoto Protocol agreement only covers agreed action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 2012. Further international negotiations will be necessary in order to secure a second commitment period under the Protocol, beginning in 2013.
	The overwhelming scientific evidence stresses the need for urgent action to enable emissions to peak and decline within the next decade if we are to get on track to avoid dangerous impacts. Any prospects for such urgent action depend on international agreement for the period beyond 2012.

Ministerial Travel

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister on what date he last travelled by train on official business.

Tony Blair: I travel making the most efficient and cost-effective arrangements, and use trains as and when appropriate. My travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in Chapter 10 of the Ministerial Code, and the accompanying guidance document, Travel by Ministers".

Mrs. C. Blair (Security Costs)

David Davies: To ask the Prime Minister whether his wife will contribute personally to the cost of providing for her security during her forthcoming trips to (a) the USA and (b) the United Arab Emirates.

Tony Blair: It has been the practice of successive governments not to comment on security issues.

Pakistan

Peter Law: To ask the Prime Minister whether he discussed (a) the prospects of Pakistan joining the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and (b) Iran's compliance with the NPT during his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on 6 March.

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Tony Blair: I discussed a wide range of issues with the Prime Minister Aziz during his recent visit, including Kashmir and Afghanistan. I also refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the press conference I held with Prime Minister Aziz on 6 March, a transcript of which is available on the No. 10 website.
	I had no discussions on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Dr. Howells) also met Prime Minister Aziz during his visit where they discussed a wide range of issues, including Iranian compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its obligations arising from the Treaty.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Additional Learning Support

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department spent on additional learning support in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06; and how much has been allocated for 2006–07.

Jacqui Smith: The Department allocates funds for the post-16 education and training sector to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Additional Learning Support (ALS) allows further education (FE) providers to meet the extra costs to enable learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or other needs to fully access learning provision to achieve their learning aims. ALS can be claimed by colleges and other FE providers to cover the extra costs of learning required by an individual—for example, additional support, learning aids, materials etc. The LSC allocates ALS funds to colleges and other FE providers as part of their overall FE funding allocation. In 2004/05 the ALS spend was £333.3 million. Spend for 2005/06 is not yet available but the LSC allocated £340.3 million to colleges and other FE providers in 2005/06. The LSC is still in discussion with learning providers for 2006/07 allocations. The provisional allocation for 2006/07 is £366.2 million and this will be confirmed when the LSC agrees final budgets with providers in May.

Bullying

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what initiatives her Department is undertaking aimed at preventing bullying in schools;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to ensure that children who cannot attend school as a result of bullying are able to use alternative educational arrangements;
	(3)  what measures she uses to assess bullying trends in schools.

Jacqui Smith: This Government have given an unprecedentedly high profile to tackling and preventing bullying, as well as supporting those who have been bullied. Since 1999 it has been compulsory for every school to have an anti bullying policy in place which details how the school will tackle bullying. Our anti bullying work, including the anti bullying charter for action, takes an integrated approach to preventing bullying, to addressing causes of bullying—for example prejudice—and to helping those who are bullied.
	As recommended by the Practitioners Group on Behaviour and Discipline, the recent White Paper committed the Department to producing specific guidance for schools on prejudice driven bullying. At the beginning of this month, we launched our new advice 'Bullying around racism, religion and culture; how to prevent it and what to do when it happens' as the first of this suite of materials. There is a major emphasis within this advice on prevention. The advice is presented as a set of interactive web pages on the teachernet website and is being supported by a national programme of dissemination events. Feedback from schools and local authorities so far has been overwhelmingly positive. We will be following this with specific advice on countering homophobic bullying later in 2006.
	We have secured a very broad consensus, with all the teaching professional associations and the Anti Bullying Alliance (ABA) signing up to our anti bullying charter for action. The charter is a voluntary commitment to creating a school community where bullying is not tolerated. In 2006 we plan to share examples of where the charter has been particularly well implemented with other schools so that they can learn from this best practice. The charter contains a significant emphasis on prevention.
	Through our work with the ABA, an organisation comprising over 65 leading anti bullying charities and experts, we provide schools and local authorities with expert help to tackle bullying, including prevention. The National Strategies' behaviour materials provide schools with support in preventing and responding to bullying.
	We have put more adults than ever in our schools—teachers, classroom assistants, learning mentors, Connexions personal advisers, behaviour and education support teams and police officers—so that a wide range of people are available to help prevent and tackle bullying.
	Anti bullying week continues to be a successful event with a large number of schools taking part in November 2005's activities through a wide variety of national and local events. There was a considerable amount of positive press coverage and this year over 325,000 anti bullying wristbands were distributed.
	Our anti bullying resource pack for schools Bullying: Don't Suffer in Silence", updated in 2000 and September 2002 will be revised and re-issued in the summer term 2006 to ensure schools have the most up-to-date information available on preventing and tackling bullying.
	In addition the Department has recently launched the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) curriculum resource—an intervention to develop children's social, emotional and behavioural skills from foundation stage to year 6. It is available to all primary schools and the evidence from the pilot suggests that it helps reduce bullying and promotes positive behaviour generally. It is an important arm of the Department's longer term policy to promote positive behaviour and attendance and prevent bullying. The Department is hoping to build on the work carried out in primary schools by providing a similar whole school curriculum based resource for secondary schools (SEBS). At present the programme is in a very early pilot stage.
	In England, local authorities have a duty to provide a suitable education at school or otherwise for each child of compulsory school age who, for reasons of illness, exclusion or otherwise, would not receive it unless such arrangements were made. It is, therefore, for local authorities, in consultation with parents, to decide the most appropriate educational provision for a child that cannot attend school as a result of bullying.
	The Department has issued guidance for local authorities and schools on PRUs and alternative provision, and on the commissioning of alternative provision; all local authorities and schools should have regard to this guidance.
	National statistics on incidents of bullying are not available.
	Our departmental guidance suggests that schools and local authorities should use all the data available to them, through behaviour audits, self evaluation and pupil surveys, to assist them in monitoring bullying incidents within their schools and to assess the impact of their own anti bullying initiatives.

Care Leavers

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many young people left the care of each local authority in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is available from the Department's website at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/VOL/v000569/index.shtml.

Child Care

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what child care services the additional capital investment in (a) 2006–07 and (b) 2007–08 will fund in (i) the West Midlands region and (ii) Coventry, South;
	(2)  how many under-fives entitled to free nursery places on the Sure Start scheme are on waiting lists in the West Midlands;
	(3)  how many empty places there are in Sure Start nurseries in the West Midlands.

Beverley Hughes: The General Sure Start Grant will make available to the West Midlands region £47,135,019 million in 2006–07 and £43,950,404 million in 2007–08 in capital funding. Coventry local authority's capital allocation for this period is £2,364,977 and £2,223,384 respectively. Local authorities have been given the freedom to determine how best to invest these funds to deliver the Ten-Year Childcare Strategy, including the development of children's centres, extended schools and other child care.
	Information on the number of children on waiting lists for Sure Start services or empty places in Sure Start nurseries in the West Midlands is not collected centrally.

Children's Centres

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many disabled children, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, have used children's centres since their introduction.

Beverley Hughes: Information on how many disabled children have received a service from children's centres is not available centrally at present.

Consultants

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the reports from consultants which have been submitted to her Department over the past 12 months; what the name of the supplier was in each case; and what fees were charged in each case.

Bill Rammell: This information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Telephone Numbers

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2006, Official Report, column 1863W, on departmental telephone numbers, what the revenue is from (a) 0845 and (b) 0870 numbers maintained by her Department.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Education and Skills does not participate in revenue share schemes associated with 0845 and 0870 telephone numbers and therefore derives no revenue from the use of these numbers.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the effect of education maintenance allowance on staying on rates in Tamworth constituency; and if she will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: EMA was subject to one of the most comprehensive evaluations of any educational initiative. It was piloted in 10 areas (plus five others in London/Leeds) and the evaluation followed two cohorts of 16-year-olds for four years from 1999/2000 and 2000/01. Their outcomes were compared to those of matched individuals in 11 control areas. It was extended to a further 41 areas in 2000/01 so that it was operating in around one third of the country.
	The results indicated that EMA increased participation of eligible young people in the pilot areas by 5.9 percentage points. This is equivalent to an increase in participation of all 16-year-olds across the whole country of 3.8 percentage points. EMA was extended to 16-year-olds in the remaining two thirds of the country in September 2004. There was a 1.9 percentage point increase in participation of 16-year-olds in full-time education between 2003/04 and 2004/05. This is in line with the increase in participation which was expected from the roll out of EMA and is the largest increase in participation for over 10 years. While it is not possible to say that all of the increase was due to EMA, this was one of the most important initiatives aimed at increasing participation.
	EMA was extended to 17-year-olds in September 2005 and will be fully extended to 18-year-olds from September 2006.
	Further education participation estimates are not available at constituency level, but are produced at local authority level. Staffordshire local authority, covering Tamworth constituency, was not a pilot area so 2004/05 was the first year for which EMA was available. Local participation figures for 2004/05 are not due to be published until the end of March 2006. When these become available, the DfES and LSC will be doing further analyses to try to get a better estimate of the increase in participation which might be due to EMA. However, it will not be possible to attribute any changes to EMA alone, since there will have been other factors which will have influenced participation. It will not be possible to make any reasonable assessment of the impact for individual local authorities.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the effect of education maintenance allowance on staying on rates (a) in England and (b) in Hendon; and if she will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: EMA was subject to one of the most comprehensive evaluations of any educational initiative. It was piloted in 10 areas (plus five others in London/Leeds) and the evaluation followed two cohorts of 16-year-olds for four years from 1999/2000 and 2000/01. Their outcomes were compared to those of matched individuals in 11 control areas. It was extended to a further 41 areas in 2000/01 so that it was operating in around one third of the country.
	The results indicated that EMA increased participation of eligible young people in the pilot areas by 5.9 percentage points. This is equivalent to an increase in participation of all 16-year-olds across the whole country of 3.8 percentage points. There was a particularly strong impact for key target groups:
	young males (1.2 times impact),
	none/low/middle achievers (1.3 to 1.7 times impact)
	lower SEG groups (1.3 to 1.6 times impact)
	The results also showed positive impacts on retention from Y13 to Y14, and also on an individual's attachment to education, as measured by number of terms which they stay in education to age 19.
	EMA was extended to 16-year-olds in the remaining two thirds of the country in September 2004. There was a 1.9 percentage point increase in participation of 16-year-olds in full-time education between 2003/04 and 2004/05. This is in line with the increase in participation which was expected from the roll out of EMA and is the largest increase in participation for over 10 years. While it is not possible to say that all of the increase was due to EMA, this was one of the most important initiatives aimed at increasing participation. The Department and LSC will be doing further analyses of local participation when these become available to try to get a better estimate of the change which might be due to EMA. EMA was extended to 17-year-olds in September 2005 and will be fully extended to 18-year-olds from September 2006.
	This year the LSC has adopted the strategy of measuring EMA take-up to show early impact of the scheme locally. Volumes are on target, and take-up among poorer students is higher than originally projected, which is the group upon whom EMA is likely to have the greatest beneficial effect. Take-up among 16-year-olds largely met or exceeded estimated figures in 2004/05. Where take-up is lower than anticipated, the local LSC targets additional support to raise awareness of EMA and increase the figures.
	On the take up of EMAs in Hendon, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 13 March 2006, Official Report, column1866W.

Energy Efficiency

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government are taking to promote energy efficiency within (a) schools, (b) colleges and (c) universities; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The Government are promoting energy efficiency through a range of measures.
	Building on the Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills launched in 2003, the DfES and its partners are undertaking a wide range of measures to promote energy efficiency in all educational buildings.
	(a) Schools—There is extensive guidance available to improve energy efficiency within existing schools 1 , together with minimum standards that cover energy efficiency and renewable energy for new buildings and refurbishments within the schools capital programme.
	(b) Colleges—Energy efficiency is promoted through good practice guidance and property benchmarking which enables colleges to compare their energy efficiency performance. Further work is currently underway into the cost-effectiveness of energy efficient design and sustainable development.
	(c) Universities—Energy management guidance has been published for higher education establishments 2 , and there are a number of ongoing initiatives to encourage energy efficiency. Universities are now required to demonstrate that environmental sustainability has been addressed in the deployment of capital funding.
	The Government are also currently reviewing the approach that all educational establishments adopt for energy procurement to identify actions that result in further cost savings.
	1 http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/sd/focuson/energy/energymanagement/
	2 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/

Ergonomic Desks

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what research her Department has commissioned on a possible correlation between ergonomic desks and students' learning ability;
	(2)  what research her Department has commissioned on the possible effect of school furniture on students' osteopathic health.

Jacqui Smith: There has been no formal research regarding a possible correlation either between ergonomic desks (or school furniture as a whole) and osteopathic health or students' learning ability but the Department is aware of the importance as a whole of a pupils learning environment, both to their performance and feeling of well being. Informal discussions, however, have been held with the National Back Pain Association in the recent past and we are aware of that organisation's concerns in this regard. Schools are now free to purchase their own furniture and equipment and to determine their own spending priorities. Advice in the Department's 'Furniture and Equipment Purchasing Guide', is therefore given on economically adjustable furniture and it's pro's and con's.
	As part of our awareness of ergonomics the Department have developed an ergonomics website which allows teachers, building professionals and even children themselves to determine the correct size of furniture for a particular pupil. The site offers solutions to size mis-match—a major cause of discomfort among pupils. This site has utilised child size data gathered in a 2001 survey jointly funded by the Department.

Examination Fees

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the reasons for the change in examination entry fees charged to secondary schools since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: Spending on exam fees is 0.7 percent. of school spending in England. The responsibility for monitoring examination fees lies with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), as part of its responsibility for overseeing the examinations system in England. Changes to total spending on examination fees may reflect a number of factors, including increases in the number of candidates taking examinations, or payment of penalty fees for late entries.
	It is important that the examinations system has the investment necessary to ensure it remains robust and secure. However, we also need to be confident that the significant levels of public funding spent on examination fees, by secondary schools and others, provide good value for money. We have therefore asked the QCA to consider what further work it should do in this area.

Free School Meals

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of pupils who attend schools in the East Riding of Yorkshire are entitled to free school meals.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		Maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools(35): school meal arrangements(36) January 2005. East Riding of Yorkshire local authority.
		
			  Maintained nursery and primary schools 
			  Number on roll Pupils taking free school meals(37) Percentage taking free school meals(37) Number known to be eligible for free meals Percentage known to be eligible for free meals 
		
		
			 England 3,317,590 335,140 10.1 465,520 14.0 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 23,581 1,102 4.7 1,654 7.0 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained secondary schools 
			  Number on roll Pupils taking free school meals(37) Percentage taking free school meals(37) Number known to be eligible for free meals Percentage known to be eligible for free meals 
		
		
			 England 3,317,590 335,140 10.1 465,520 14.0 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 23,581 1,102 4.7 1,654 7.0 
		
	
	(35) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(36) Includes dually registered and boarding pupils.
	(37) Based upon school level numbers of pupils who had a free school meal on the day of the census in January.
	Note:
	National figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census

Free School Transport

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will reduce the statutory distances for eligibility for free school transport for children in rural and semi-rural areas.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 22 March 2006
	The Education and Inspections Bill includes measures that will provide a new entitlement to free school transport for pupils from low income backgrounds:
	For primary aged pupils aged over eight, to their nearest school where this is more than two miles from their home; and
	For secondary aged pupils to any one of the three nearest suitable schools, where the distance travelled is between two and six miles.
	These new entitlements apply to all areas in England. Statutory walking distance for these pupils is currently three miles.
	The Bill also includes provisions to allow a small number of local authorities to propose Pathfinder schemes to test innovative approaches to home to school transport to support school choice, reduce the distances pupils are expected to walk to school more widely, and increase the proportion of pupils travelling by sustainable means.

Identity Fraud

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps her Department has taken to raise awareness of identity fraud amongst its staff.

Maria Eagle: holding answer 3 March 2006
	The Department takes all form of fraud seriously. In terms of relative risk, identity fraud is not the highest risk in the Department's direct relationships with the public but does figure significantly in relationships with key partners.
	The Department's partner organisations are primarily responsible for the distribution of funding and will implement processes that safeguard against fraud risks including identity theft. Guidance issued to partners includes steers on validating identity details. My Department is currently undertaking a review of NDPB partner organisations fraud response plans. This review will ensure identity fraud has been reflected appropriately in their respective fraud strategies.
	The Department does provide training for front desk staff (receptionists and security guards) dealing with the public face to face. The induction training includes validating whether a person is who they say they are and whether they are allowed on site in their own right or whether they need to be escorted. After the induction, appointees must sign a declaration that they understand what they have been taught, that they know where the assignment instructions are kept should they need to refer to them and that they know who to contact for further guidance.
	In respect of administration staff, dealing with verifying identity is part of the Department's work in administering vetting cases and, in HR, when recruiting new members of staff. The Department's Special Investigations Unit also provides fraud awareness training to Divisions on request.

Jodie Marsh

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to deny Jodie Marsh access to schools for which her Department is responsible.

Jacqui Smith: Jodie Marsh does not represent the Department for Education and Skills in any way. Decisions about giving people access to pupils in schools are a matter for individual head teachers and governing bodies.

Racism

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 14 March 2006, Official Report, columns 2229–30W, on racism, how many incidents of racial discrimination there were in schools in the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: The requirement to record and report all racist incidents in schools came into force in November 1999. Data on racist incidents are not collected centrally by the Department as we believe that local authorities and schools are much better placed to analyse and respond to the issues raised, which will reflect local situations and tensions.

School Admissions Code

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the draft Schools Admissions Code related to the Education and Inspections Bill will be published.

Jacqui Smith: We plan to consult on a draft School Admissions Code in September so that, if the Bill is enacted, the new Code will become effective for admission arrangements for 2008. In the meantime, a skeleton document is due for presentation at Commons Committee stage and this will set out the new Code's proposed shape and content.

School Buildings

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to her answer of 6 March 2006, Official Report, column 1230W, on school buildings, what the terms of reference are of the analysis by the Building Research Establishment on the installation of sprinkler systems in school buildings.

Jacqui Smith: The Building Research Establishment has been commissioned to produce the following:
	a quantitative assessment of the costs and benefits of fitting automatic fire suppression systems into new schools, based on actual installed system costs and proposed system costs;
	a simple cost/benefit tool to analyse the relative benefit of installing sprinkler systems into new school buildings, taking account of construction types and all direct and indirect costs and benefits;
	a simple fire risk assessment tool for new school buildings.
	A guidance document will also be produced, detailing how to approach the fire risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis of fire precaution works, including use of automatic sprinkler systems in school buildings. It will also cover the reasoning behind the process, the importance of having reliable and accurate information, and recommendations for the use of the tools.

School Finance (Swindon)

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much Swindon borough council will receive each year for the next two years from the Youth Opportunity Fund.

Maria Eagle: Swindon local authority will receive £111,219 for each of the next two years from the Youth Opportunity Fund. This funding is to be used at young people's discretion to give them choice and influence over things to do and places to go in their area. In addition to this Swindon will receive £96,196 for each of the next two years from the Youth Capital Fund. This funding is to improve facilities and to provide equipment which young people want in their neighbourhood. The two funds are designed to work in tandem. The combined funding for each year is £207,415 which amounts to a total of £404,830.

School Food Trust

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  on what research the School Food Trust based its (a) recommendation for healthier snack models and (b) decision to ban the sale of confectionery in secondary schools; and whether this research has been published;
	(2)  whether the School Food Trust has surveyed foods on offer outside lunch in secondary schools to provide baseline data to assess the impact of its recommendations on obesity rates among secondary school pupils.

Jacqui Smith: The School Food Trust's advice to ban the sale of confectionery in schools reflects the Government's healthy eating guidance set out in the Balance of Good Health", which indicates that these foods may be eaten occasionally but should not be part of a child or young person's everyday diet.
	The School Food Trust's advice on standards for school food other than lunch was informed by evidence from companies selling foods in schools, people providing food in schools and others including researchers and academics. This included evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged four-20 years, which showed that sugars comprise about 17 percent. of food energy in children compared to a recommended average of 11 percent. and the main source is soft drinks and confectionery. The full advice, including a list of those who gave evidence, is published on schoolfoodtrust.org.uk.

School Toilets

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if she will set standards of school toilet provision for pupils to match those required by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, for workers;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of the number of school toilets in need of refurbishment;
	(3)  if she will undertake a review of toilet facilities in schools in England.

Jacqui Smith: The standards for school toilet provision are given in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 for maintained schools and in the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 for Independent Schools. It is our view that in principle there is little difference between the health, safety and welfare needs of children and adults as regards such things as hygiene and therefore the majority of the requirements concerning toilets set out in the Code of Practice published to inform the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 are equally applicable in the case of accommodation for children or adults.
	The Department has not made an assessment of the number of school toilets in England and Wales in need of refurbishment.
	The Department is not planning to undertake a review of toilet facilities in schools in England. Local education authorities and schools should already be reviewing both the condition and suitability of the toilets in schools as part of the asset management plan condition and suitability surveys and prioritising work to upgrade the toilets where necessary. Schools themselves are responsible for keeping the toilets in a clean and orderly condition.

Schools (Lewes)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average number of pupils in an infant class in Lewes constituency was in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
	Legislation limits infant class size to a maximum of 30 pupils to a school teacher. The statistics show that since 1997 there has been a decrease in the average size of infant classes in Lewes falling from 27.8 in 1997 to 25.8 in 2005 and across England as a whole falling from 26.9 in 1997 to 25.6 in 2005.
	Data on infant class sizes at national, local authority and parliamentary constituency level can also be found at the following link: Schools and Pupils in England: January 2005 (Final) in the additional information" sections 4 and 5.

Science

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps her Department takes to ensure that the science curriculum is scientifically rigorous.

Bill Rammell: Development of the new key stage 4 Programme of Study for science was informed by a number of university-led research projects funded by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). These included research into assessment methods by Kings college university and Southampton university, keeping national curriculum science in step with changing world of 21st century by the university of Leeds and curriculum models by the university of York. In addition a three-year pilot was developed to model the new scientific approaches and was evaluated to ensure scientific rigour. The QCA and the National Foundation for Educational Research also carried out a widespread consultation process on the Programme of Study with schools, colleges, universities and the wider science community. The majority of those included in the consultation supported the changes.

Special Educational Needs

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will increase resources for schools to allow children with severe behavioural difficulties to remain in mainstream education.

Jacqui Smith: Children with severe behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) are educated in a range of settings including mainstream schools, PRUs and special schools. We are committed to the principle of inclusion and are providing mainstream schools with the necessary resources to enable them to make suitable provision for children with severe BESD, where possible. Overall total revenue funding per pupil is now £1,070 higher in real terms than in 1997–98 and is set to rise by a further £400 per pupil in real terms by 2007–08.
	Within a rising total of overall funding, the funding currently provided by Excellence in Cities and the Behaviour Improvement Programme that can be used for more specialised behaviour provision like learning mentors, learning support units and multi-agency behaviour support teams will continue. The Government have also made available an additional £300 million over the last three years to support the general expansion of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), helping to improve access to more specialist mental health support and advice. These additional resources alongside the new, integrated, multi-agency children services, mean that schools will be better able to support pupils with a wide variety of needs, including those with severe BESD, within mainstream education.

Sports Clubs

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what additional funding will be made available for sports clubs to ensure that young people have access to at least two hours of sport per week outside school, as proposed in the consultation response, Youth Matters: Next Steps".

Maria Eagle: As part of the national school sport strategy, £18 million has been set aside for 2003 to 2008 for the school/club links programme, to encourage and strengthen links between schools and sports clubs. Through this programme, we are working with the national governing bodies of sport to provide a safe environment for young people to take part in sport beyond school in accredited sports clubs.
	Funding of £100 million is also being invested in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Community Club development programme, which is increasing participation and widening access to sports clubs for all areas of the community.
	Funding beyond 2008 is subject to the next comprehensive spending review.

Student Bankruptcy

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many undergraduate students resident in Suffolk declared themselves bankrupt in 2005.

Bill Rammell: Two borrowers with publicly owned student loans, whose awarding local authority is Suffolk, have so far informed the Student Loans Company (SLC) that they became bankrupt during calendar year 2005.
	Figures separately identifying undergraduates are not available; students on postgraduate initial teacher training courses can be eligible for loans. There may be delays between borrowers becoming bankrupt and notifying the Student Loans Company, therefore figures could increase in future.
	The Higher Education Act 2004 included provisions to prevent student loans being written off on discharge from bankruptcy. However bankrupt borrowers continue to benefit from the same non-commercial loan terms as other borrowers, with subsidised interest rates and no obligation to repay if their annual income is below £15,000.

Teacher Salaries

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average starting salary was for newly qualified teachers in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Oxford in each of the last 10 years.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not available below regional level.
	The following tables provide the average salary of newly qualified teachers by Government Office Region and phase, for each of the latest three years available.
	
		Newly Qualified Teachers: Average salary(38) of teachers gaining qualified teacher status(39)in calendar year 2003 teaching full-time in the maintained schools sector in March 2004(40)by Government Office Region, phase, sex and age, England
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2004 
			  North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands West Midlands 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,210 18,160 18,200 18,160 18,140 
			 25–29 18,110 19,310 18,290 18,240 18,340 
			 30–34 — 19,140 18,360 — 19,210 
			 35–39 — — — — 19,900 
			 40–49 — — — — 19,700 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,160 18,760 18,410 18,180 18,690 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 18,270 18,120 18,130 18,190 18,120 
			 25–29 18,210 18,770 18,370 18,280 18,360 
			 30–34 18,160 18,880 18,600 18,230 18,610 
			 35–39 18,110 19,020 19,320 18,220 19,030 
			 40–49 18,110 19,230 19,310 18,240 18,740 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,230 18,420 18,320 18,220 18,300 
			   
			 Men and Women 18,220 18,470 18,330 18,210 18,340 
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,160 18,470 18,220 18,340 18,290 
			 25–29 18,310 18,540 18,450 18,750 18,760 
			 30–34 18,880 20,210 19,140 18,910 19,620 
			 35–39 — 20,310 20,280 19,900 20,210 
			 40–49 19,390 21,300 20,610 19,790 21,140 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,550 19,170 18,840 18,860 19,130 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 18,180 18,620 18,190 18,370 18,210 
			 25–29 18,330 19,200 18,420 18,580 18,570 
			 30–34 18,630 19,540 19,170 18,840 19,160 
			 35–39 18,830 20,440 19,760 19,740 20,160 
			 40–49 18,840 21,520 19,560 19,300 20,380 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,340 19,130 18,510 18,610 18,680 
			 Men and Women 18,410 19,140 18,630 18,700 18,840 
			   
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — — 
			 Women 19,880 20,140 — — — 
			 Men and Women 19,880 20,180 — 20,790 20,210 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 18,470 19,110 18,790 18,730 19,040 
			 Women 18,320 18,830 18,420 18,410 18,490 
			 Men and Women 18,360 18,900 18,530 18,500 18,620 
		
	
	
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2004 
			  East of England London South East South West England 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,410 21,890 18,380 18,150 18,710 
			 25–29 18,440 21,520 18,460 18,320 19,030 
			 30–34 — 22,410 18,800 18,520 19,370 
			 35–39 — 22,970 18,940 — 19,670 
			 40–49 — — 19,420 18,410 19,470 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,560 22,030 18,670 18,300 19,050 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 18,570 21,100 18,380 18,130 18,730 
			 25–29 18,650 21,620 18,510 18,150 19,170 
			 30–34 18,770 21,940 18,700 18,250 19,430 
			 35–39 18,800 21,780 18,550 18,230 19,190 
			 40–49 18,820 22,390 18,950 18,450 19,510 
			 50 and over — — — — 20,010 
			 All ages 18,630, 21,440 18,490 18,180 18,960 
			 Men and Women 18,630 21,500 18,510 18,200 18,970 
			   
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,890 21,310 18,750 18,190 18,720 
			 25–29 19,540 22,080 19,280 18,540 19,230 
			 30–34 19,990 24,370 19,880 18,980 20,270 
			 35–39 21,090 24,180 20,220 19,910 20,860 
			 40–49 22,160 25,150 21,180 19,800 21,320 
			 50 and over — 25,050 — — 21,650 
			 All ages 19,750 22,860 19,430 18,810 19,580 
			   
			 Women  
			 Under 25 18,820 21,420 18,780 18,200 18,780 
			 25–29 19,390 22,090 19,240 18,460 19,380 
			 30–34 20,400 23,460 20,080 19,230 20,130 
			 35–39 20,540 23,500 20,010 18,900 20,430 
			 40–49 20,200 24,180 20,390 18,830 20,510 
			 50 and over — — — — 20,450 
			 All ages 19,350 22,210 19,240 18,460 19,310 
			 Men and Women 19,490 22,420 19,310 18,590 19,400 
			   
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — 21,050 
			 Women 21,150 — 20,530 — 20,580 
			 Men and Women 21,210 — 20,650 — 20,660 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 19,530 22,650 19,240 18,700 19,470 
			 Women 18,970 21,750 18,840 18,340 19,140 
			 Men and Women 19,090 21,930 18,930 18,440 19,220 
		
	
	(38) Averages are not shown where based on less than 10 teachers (indicated by —)
	(39) Includes all new entrants to maintained schools in England, qualifying in England or Wales in 2003, including SCITT and OU but exclude those qualifying through employment based routes
	(40) Provisional estimates. The numbers shown as in service may increase as a result of late receipt of annual service returns
	Source:
	Database of Teacher Records and General Teaching Council
	
		Newly Qualified Teachers: Average salary(41) of teachers gaining qualified teacher status(42)in calendar year 2002 teaching full-time in the maintained schools sector in March 2003(43)by Government Office Region, phase, sex and age, England
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2003 
			  North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands West Midlands 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 17,620 17,630 17,600 17,740 17,810 
			 25–29 17,670 18,390 18,010 17,880 17,980 
			 30–34 — 18,530 18,620 — — 
			 35–39 — 18,790 — — — 
			 40–49 — — — — — 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 17,730 18,170 17,950 17,860 18,050 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 17,660 17,630 17,640 17,670 17,650 
			 25–29 17,660 17,980 17,900 17,840 17,900 
			 30–34 17,650 18,330 18,800 17,760 18,540 
			 35–39 17,700 18,820 18,780 17,810 18,180 
			 40–49 17,720 18,740 18,570 17,980 18,710 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 17,660 17,870 17,930 17,730 17,830 
			 Men and Women 17,670 17,910 17,930 17,740 17,860 
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 17,700 17,720 17,730 17,860 17,870 
			 25–29 17,790 18,280 18,230 18,370 18,230 
			 30–34 18,960 18,990 19,400 19,090 18,760 
			 35–39 18,070 19,790 19,570 19,470 19,970 
			 40–49 18,950 20,190 20,040 19,680 20,890 
			 50 and over — 22,770 — — — 
			 All ages 18,080 18,580 18,540 18,470 18,630 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 17,670 17,680 17,810 17,800 17,820 
			 25–29 17,950 18,280 18,140 18,120 18,180 
			 30–34 18,250 19,030 19,080 18,840 18,840 
			 35–39 18,580 20,080 19,600 19,050 19,360 
			 40–49 18,490 19,530 19,680 18,540 19,930 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 17,910 18,300 18,240 18,100 18,300 
			 Men and Women 17,970 18,400 18,350 18,240 18,400 
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — — 
			 Women — 19,120 — — 20,620 
			 Men and Women — 19,280 — — 20,510 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 18,010 18,490 18,430 18,370 18,510 
			 Women 17,790 18,100 18,090 17,920 18,080 
			 Men and Women 17,840 18,190 18,170 18,030 18,180 
		
	
	
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2003 
			  East of England London South East South West England 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,030 20,590 17,840 17,630 18,060 
			 25–29 17,930 21,370 17,860 17,860 18,500 
			 30–34 — 21,860 — 17,950 19,070 
			 35–39 19,240 21,740 18,740 — 19,190 
			 40–49 19,600 22,240 18,670 — 19,300 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,310 21,340 18,080 17,830 18,520 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 17,970 20,520 17,920 17,620 18,070 
			 25–29 17,980 20,990 18,000 17,690 18,520 
			 30–34 18,270 21,670 18,370 17,920 19,050 
			 35–39 18,390 21,530 18,530 17,710 18,940 
			 40–49 18,470 21,970 18,290 18,040 18,970 
			 50 and over — — — — 19,820 
			 All ages 18,070 20,990 18,040 17,700 18,370 
			 Men and Women 18,100 21,030 18,050 17,720 18,390 
			   
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 18,120 20,640 18,180 17,690 18,150 
			 25–29 18,960 21,830 18,830 18,090 18,780 
			 30–34 20,760 23,020 19,630 18,690 19,780 
			 35–39 20,310 23,270 20,290 18,770 20,120 
			 40–49 21,410 24,190 21,200 19,160 20,760 
			 50 and over — — 21,760 — 21,860 
			 All ages 19,150 22,150 19,100 18,280 19,060 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 18,150 20,790 18,190 17,900 18,200 
			 25–29 18,830 21,650 18,730 17,950 18,740 
			 30–34 19,960 22,910 19,960 18,490 19,750 
			 35–39 19,920 23,760 20,160 18,660 20,120 
			 40–49 20,120 23,840 20,190 18,620 20,160 
			 50 and over — — 20,110 — 20,460 
			 All ages 18,740 21,810 18,790 18,060 18,780 
			 Men and Women 18,880 21,920 18,890 18,140 18,880 
			   
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — 20,620 
			 Women 20,250 — 19,760 — 20,140 
			 Men and Women 20,290 — 20,290 19,490 20,220 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 18,940 21,920 18,880 18,170 18,940 
			 Women 18,380 21,320 18,370 17,890 18,570 
			 Men and Women 18,510 21,450 18,490 17,960 18,650 
		
	
	(41) Averages are not shown where based on less than 10 teachers (indicated by —)
	(42) Includes all new entrants to maintained schools in England, qualifying in England or Wales in 2003, including SCITT and OU but exclude those qualifying through employment based routes
	(43) Provisional estimates. The numbers shown as in service may increase as a result of late receipt of annual service returns
	Source:
	Database of Teacher Records
	
		Newly Qualified Teachers: Average salary(44) of teachers gaining qualified teacher status(45)in calendar year 2001 teaching full-time in the maintained schools sector in March 2002(46)by Government Office Region, phase, sex and age, England
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2002 
			  North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands West Midlands 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men 
			 Under 25 16,930 17,000 17,000 17,000 16,920 
			 25–29 17,000 17,210 17,400 17,170 17,030 
			 30–34 17,470 17,330 17,810 17,280 17,290 
			 35–39 — — 18,010 — 18,030 
			 40–49 — — — — — 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 17,100 17,280 17,600 17,210 17,230 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 16,970 17,010 17,020 17,030 16,940 
			 25–29 17,000 17,230 17,200 16,980 17,000 
			 30–34 16,980 18,280 17,740 17,190 17,450 
			 35–39 17,000 17,880 17,720 17,220 17,770 
			 40–49 16,860 18,100 18,170 17,470 18,240 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 16,970 17,250 17,180 17,070 17,090 
			 Men and Women 16,990 17,260 17,240 17,090 17,110 
			   
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 16,970 16,990 16,990 16,990 17,020 
			 25–29 17,350 17,430 17,580 17,390 17,140 
			 30–34 17,650 18,160 18,090 18,160 17,780 
			 35–39 18,260 18,710 18,780 18,810 18,710 
			 40–49 18,390 19,620 — 18,690 20,500 
			 50 and over — 19,670 — — — 
			 All ages 17,470 17,790 17,600 17,530 17,720 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 16,970 17,020 17,190 17,260 17,050 
			 25–29 17,140 17,310 17,400 17,460 17,150 
			 30–34 17,760 17,810 18,030 17,860 17,860 
			 35–39 17,490 18,760 18,390 18,170 17,810 
			 40–49 17,550 18,600 19,500 17,700 18,300 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 17,170 17,420 17,530 17,440 17,290 
			 Men and Women 17,270 17,540 17,550 17,470 17,430 
			   
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — — 
			 Women — — — — 20,120 
			 Men and Women — — — — 19,810 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 17,400 17,680 17,600 17,460 17,610 
			 Women 17,070 17,340 17,340 17,240 17,210 
			 Men and Women 17,140 17,420 17,400 17,300 17,300 
		
	
	
		
			  Region of service at 31 March 2002 
			  East of England London South East South West England 
		
		
			 Nursery and primary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 17,740 20,020 17,230 17,000 17,410 
			 25–29 17,410 20,190 17,390 17,120 17,730 
			 30–34 20,350 21,250 17,480 17,320 18,300 
			 35–39 — 22,120 18,330 — 18,810 
			 40–49 18,130 22,660 — — 19,200 
			 50 and over — — — — — 
			 All ages 18,050 20,830 17,440 17,210 17,910 
			   
			 Women  
			 Under 25 17,390 20,200 17,220 17,000 17,500 
			 25–29 17,530 20,450 17,270 17,010 17,870 
			 30–34 17,900 20,820 17,540 17,060 18,250 
			 35–39 17,560 20,740 17,730 17,250 18,100 
			 40–49 17,970 20,790 17,540 17,210 18,300 
			 50 and over — — — — 18,840 
			 All ages 17,500 20,410 17,320 17,050 17,720 
			 Men and Women 17,560 20,460 17,330 17,070 17,750 
			   
			 Secondary  
			 Men  
			 Under 25 17,340 20,060 17,480 17,010 17,420 
			 25–29 18,100 20,520 18,050 17,250 17,990 
			 30–34 18,830 21,250 18,570 18,050 18,600 
			 35–39 19,690 23,100 19,380 18,380 19,470 
			 40–49 19,960 23,270 19,660 19,200 20,220 
			 50 and over — — — — 20,460 
			 All ages 18,210 21,220 18,240 17,550 18,250 
			 Women  
			 Under 25 17,460 20,190 17,480 17,020 17,510 
			 25–29 17,830 20,480 17,940 17,400 17,890 
			 30–34 18,640 21,760 18,610 17,700 18,690 
			 35–39 18,130 21,600 18,740 17,760 18,680 
			 40–49 18,610 22,130 19,010 17,910 19,000 
			 50 and over — — — — 19,150 
			 All ages 17,800 20,720 17,940 17,340 17,920 
			 Men and Women 17,940 20,890 18,040 17,410 18,030 
			   
			 Special and PRU  
			 Men — — — — 19,670 
			 Women — — — — 19,740 
			 Men and Women — — — — 19,720 
			 Maintained schools sector  
			 Men 18,170 21,110 18,060 17,450 18,170 
			 Women 17,620 20,530 17,590 17,180 17,820 
			 Men and Women 17,740 20,650 17,690 17,240 17,890 
		
	
	(44) Averages are not shown where based on less than 10 teachers (indicated by —)
	(45) Includes all new entrants to maintained schools in England, qualifying in England or Wales in 2003, including SCITT and OU but exclude those qualifying through employment based routes
	(46) Provisional estimates. The numbers shown as in service may increase as a result of late receipt of annual service returns
	Source:
	Database of Teacher Records and General Teaching Council

Teachers' Loans

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2006, Official Report, column 600W, on teachers' loans, whether any public funds disbursed under the Teachers' Loans Scheme have been assessed as irretrievable; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The Repayment of Teachers' Loans (RTL) scheme repays the student loans of eligible teachers of priority subjects who have been accepted onto the scheme. Under the scheme, the Government reduce the loan balance annually, writing off the student loans of eligible teachers over a period of up to 10 years.
	There are safeguards in the RTL process which mean that there should be no cases where public funds could be assessed as irretrievable and to date, none have been. The balance on the student loan is reduced once the teacher has confirmed their eligibility to remain on the scheme for the preceding year. This is part of an annual review process. If a teacher fails to confirm their eligibility or to return the annual review form, no further loan reductions are made under the RTL scheme. This should mean that teachers do not benefit from RTL in advance of entitlement as loans are not paid off without confirmation of entitlement. If a teacher notifies a change in circumstances which affects their entitlement, the SLC adjusts the repayment account to reflect the date of the change.

Thames Gateway Strategy

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress the Government have made towards meeting the commitment given in Creating Sustainable Communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway (a) to raise the number of people qualified up to NVQ Level 3 and (b) to increase the number of work-based training opportunities.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	"Creating sustainable communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway", published in March 2005, set out progress to date and outlined the Government's plans for the future development of the Thames Gateway.
	Later this year, we will publish a Strategic Framework for the Gateway, which will cover latest progress and form the basis of a delivery plan for the future.
	As an early indicator of progress, however, recently published data from the Learning Skills Council show Level 3 attainment by young people in the Thames Gateway. The data shows that the number of 19-year-olds achieving a Level 3 qualification increased from 13,608 in 2004 to 15,143 in 2005. This equates to a 3 per cent. increase, and contributes to the overall raising of qualification levels of the Thames Gateway population.
	On the point of work-based training opportunities, according to the Learning and Skills Council's Thames Gateway Directorate, the substantial increase in learner achievements of apprenticeships and the associated costs has meant that the number of starts on apprenticeships in the Thames Gateway have decreased from 2004/05 to 2005/06. This concurs with the national picture. The increase in achievements is very good news as we committed ourselves to improving the quality of work-based learning in Creating Sustainable Communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway. The success rates on apprenticeships in the Thames Gateway have risen from 43 per cent. in 2003/04 to 47.4 per cent. in 2004/05.
	As referenced in Creating Sustainable Communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway, for example, the ODPM has also contributed £4 million to the expansion of Prospects College in Southend, also part-funded by the LSC. Prospects College delivers work-based learning in engineering and construction. The expansion will increase the capacity of the college and the number of learner places.
	Further work-based learning places have also been created through the 14–19 sector pilots running in parts of the Thames Gateway. Through this programme, support has also been given in order to build capacity for increased delivery of work-based learning. The pilots establish stepping-stone vocational pathways all the way from Key Stage 4 to higher education in the key local sectors.
	The Government have also been supporting employers and employees in the Thames Gateway with work-related training through Profit from Learning, the local Treasury-funded Employer Training Pilot. To date, 50,280 employees in 6,730 companies have benefited from the programme across the three LSC areas covering the Thames Gateway.

Truants

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with the Home Department on the deployment of police community support officers to apprehend truants.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 22 March
	My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has discussed with my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, the proposal in the Police and Justice Bill to enable chief officers, where appropriate, to allow community support officers to remove truants from public places. Section 16 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 allows local authorities to designate areas from which truants may be removed.
	Currently the power to remove truants can only be exercised by police officers. We believe that the proposal to extend this to community support officers will make it easier for local authorities and the police to mount truancy sweeps. It is also an important item in this Government's respect action.

Trust Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many trust schools she expects to be established in the West Midlands over the next four years.

Jacqui Smith: There are no targets for the number of trust schools to be established within the next four years. This policy is about schools making decisions that are right for them and their children in order to raise standards. It will be for individual schools to decide if they want to acquire a trust, what form that trust should take, and how the trust will help to improve outcomes for pupils.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

1911 Census

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the evidential basis was for the statement by the head of information policy and legislation unit, national archives, that the early publication of extracts from the 1911 census records under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 may place a significant administrative burden on the national archives.

Harriet Harman: The head of the information policy and legislation unit at the national archives has not made any statement to this effect.

Business Appointment Reviews

Don Foster: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs from which (a) companies and (b) Government departments those interviewed by Sir Patrick Brown in the course of the Department's review of the business appointment reviews came.

Jim Murphy: I have been asked to reply.
	Sir Patrick Brown was commissioned by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to undertake an independent review of the business appointment rules. In his report, which was published on 20 December, Sir Patrick made clear that as part of the review process he spoke to a range of individuals from organisations in the public and private sectors. These discussions took place on a confidential basis.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs over what period the capital costs of community legal aid and advice centres (CLACs) will be recovered; and what assessment she has made of the effects of the recovery period on the overall costs of CLACs.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) expects Community Legal Advice Centres to be run by existing suppliers in most cases thus minimising capital costs. Over the three-year period of each contract the LSC expects the centres to have comparable cost to the arrangements they replace.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the timetable is for (a) developing defined outcome and output measures for community legal aid and advice centres and (b) consultation on the measures; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is currently consulting with its Local Authority Partners on the development of appropriate outcome and output measures for the first Community Legal Advice Centres and Networks. These will be in place by the launch of the first centres in 2006–07. The LSC will periodically evaluate and consult with its local authority partners on the measures that have been put in place once the first centres are operational.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been spent in connection with the branding of community legal aid and advice centres and networks.

Harriet Harman: Nothing has been spent on the branding of Community Legal Advice Centres and Networks other than the cost of the time used by officials in the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Legal Services Commission, in the course of their normal duties.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether she plans to terminate existing social welfare law contracts with (a) private and (b) other providers as community legal and advice centres are rolled out; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission may terminate social welfare law contracts where it judges that Community Legal Advice Centres, once established, are providing the necessary services to meet local need. An open tender process will enable suppliers to bid to run the centre or to become part of a network in each area where centres or networks are set up.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans the Government has to consult on the final model of the community legal and advice centre network; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The first Community Legal Advice Centres and Networks will be monitored continuously from their launch in 2006–07. The LSC will monitor the impact and performance of each centre with local authority partners and consult with them on the way forward. An evaluation of the first centres will be published during 2008–09.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps are being taken to prevent conflicts of interest between community legal and advice centres and (a) local government and (b) other sector bodies; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission will continue to ensure that its contracts and any arrangements made with local authorities guarantee the independence of advice in accordance to its statutory duties.

Community Legal Aid and Advice Centres

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether she plans to take steps to encourage private and other providers to remain in the Community Legal Service.

Harriet Harman: In line with A Fairer Deal for Legal Aid" and Lord Carter's Review of Legal Aid Procurement, the Legal Services Commission will take the necessary steps to develop a sustainable structure for contracting suppliers to deliver services as part of the Community Legal Service (CLS). During 2005–06, the number of new cases started under the CLS has increased considerably (by around 20 per cent.). Community Legal Advice Centres and Networks will seek to deliver services tailored to need and spanning a number of categories of law. As measures in the new CLS Strategy, announced on the 23 March, are implemented, it is envisaged that opportunities for high quality suppliers will continue to exist.

Court Bailiffs

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average length of time taken by court bailiffs to execute a warrant of possession was in (a) the Central London County Court jurisdiction and (b) England and Wales in 2004–05; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: Information about the average length of time taken by court bailiffs to execute a warrant of possession in (a) the Central London County Court jurisdiction and (b) England and Wales in 2004–05 is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Elder Abuse

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what systems are in place in her Department to record the number of cases of elder abuse which are dealt with by the courts.

Harriet Harman: Information about the number of cases of elder abuse which are dealt with by the courts is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Freedom of Information

Philip Dunne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the maximum period is for a response from a body subject to an appeal after refusal to provide information for a freedom of information request.

Harriet Harman: There is no maximum period for the completion of an internal review requested after a refusal to provide information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). However the Secretary of State issued a code of practice
	http://www.foi.gov.uk/codepafunc.htm under section 45 of the Act advising public authorities that complaints on the handling of freedom of information requests should be dealt with in accordance with their own complaints procedures. They may set their own target times for dealing with complaints, but these should be reasonable and subject to regular review.
	Guidance issued by my Department to public authorities:
	http://www.foi.gov.uk/guidance/proguide/chap09.htm on conducting internal reviews advises that they should be completed in a reasonable timescale. It recommends that simple reviews should be dealt with within two-three weeks. Complex reviews should be dealt with within six weeks.
	A person concerned that a public authority's internal review has taken too long, can complain to the Information Commissioner who could then issue a (statutory) good practice recommendation—this could lead to the public authority improving its procedures for carrying out internal reviews.

Headstones

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to the burial authorities of testing the safety of headstones in the last five years.

Harriet Harman: Information on such costs has not been collated centrally.

HM Court Service

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on the future of the Chorley magistrates court house.

Harriet Harman: Chorley courthouse has three courtrooms and these are in use on most weekdays. If the business of the court increases, it is likely that the courtrooms will be in constant use each Monday to Friday. At the present time, this courthouse not only deals with criminal offences committed in the Chorley local justice area but also assists a neighbouring local justice area by dealing with all the cases, where defendants have been kept in custody, from the Leyland district.

Kelly Inquiry

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what factors led to the decision to appoint Lord Hutton to head the inquiry into Dr. David Kelly's death; who took that decision; and who was consulted upon it.

Harriet Harman: I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Magistrates

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many magistrates were (a) recruited and (b) left the service in (i) 2003–04, (ii) 2004–05 and (iii) 2005–06; and how many magistrates there were at the end of each year.

Harriet Harman: Statistics are collated for the financial year ending 31 March.
	
		
			  Recruited Left Serving 
		
		
			 2003–04 1,768 1,446 28,029 
			 2004–05 1,766 1,436 28,300 
			 2005–06 n/a n/a (47)28,996 
		
	
	n/a = not available
	(47) At 3 March 2006

Middlesex Guildhall

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been spent to date on the project to site the Supreme Court at Middlesex Guildhall.

Harriet Harman: The amount spent to date on establishing the Supreme Court is set out as follows. These costs are made up of both capital and resource expenditure and reflect the work to date in respect of developing the designs for both construction projects: the refurbishment of Middlesex Guildhall, to adapt it for use as the Supreme Court, and the creation of additional Crown court courtrooms.
	
		£
		
			  Capital Resource Amount 
		
		
			 April 2003 to March 2004 — 228,602 228,602 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 — 699,235 699,235 
			 April 2005 to January 2006 3,035,495 405,520 3,441,015 
			 Total 3,035,495 1,333,357 4,368,352

Sark

Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the Lord Chancellor is able to intervene in laws passed in the Sark parliament and passed via the Lord Chancellor to the Privy Council for the Queen's Assent; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: Lord Falconer and I, in our capacity as members of the Privy Council Committee for the Affairs of Jersey and Guernsey, scrutinise every piece of legislation from those Crown Dependencies, including Sark, before deciding whether to recommend it to Privy Council for Royal Assent. That decision will be based on advice from my department's legal advisers and officials after consultation with other UK Government Departments, and the report written by Her Majesty's Procureur (Guernsey's Attorney General) which accompanies Sark legislation when it is submitted to my Department.

Sark

Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what record was taken of the meeting held on 8 February in Guernsey between her Department's officials and representatives of Sark; if she will place the minutes in the Library; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: On 8 February officials from my Department attended a meeting hosted by Guernsey. At that meeting they set out to Guernsey and Sark representatives the process through which legislation from Sark must go before it gains Royal Assent.
	The Guernsey Law Officers wrote to Sark on 16 February about the options for modernising Sark's constitution. That letter refers to the meeting on 8 February and is available from the Sark authorities. It has also been placed in the Libraries of the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Argentina

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress by the Government of Argentina in introducing its proposed law on the repression of trafficking in persons and assistance to its victims.

Douglas Alexander: The draft law was presented to the Argentine Congress on 4 August 2005 by the Procuratio"n General de la Nation, the Argentine equivalent of the Attorney General's Office. It was passed to the Justice and Penal Affairs and Rights and Constitutional Guarantees congressional committees for deliberation on 11 August 2005, where it remains.

Argentina

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on progress made by the Argentine authorities in resolving the case of Marita Vero"n.

Douglas Alexander: Our Embassy in Buenos Aires continues to monitor this case. We are not aware of any developments that suggest that the Argentine authorities are close to resolving it.

Data Protection

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons a letter and documents relating to a request under section 7(1) of the Data Protection Act 1996 despatched by special delivery on 14 March 2006 and received by his Department at 1 pm on 15 March 2006 was not processed by the Information Management Group until 20 March 2006; which date will be used for the purposes of the 40 day statutory period; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The letter and documents in question were received by Information Management Group at 9.40 am on 15 March after forwarding from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office post room. They were not actioned until 20 March, three working days later, owing to the absence of the addressee. The date used for the purposes of the 40 day statutory period will be 15 March.

Egypt

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Egypt regarding the use of torture.

Kim Howells: We regularly raise human rights issues with the Egyptian Government. Our embassy in Cairo last raised the issue of torture with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 22 December 2005, during discussions on the National Council for Human Rights report.

Energy Efficiency

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to increase energy efficiency within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: To increase the energy efficiency of its operations, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is taking the following actions:
	Following an energy management survey, upgrading building management systems, lighting and metering at our London and Hanslope Park sites to control and monitor use of energy more effectively;
	Setting and monitoring targets for energy reduction, among other environmental issues, through an externally certified Environmental Management System, in line with the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate;
	Applying the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, which includes forecast energy consumption, to new builds and major refurbishments; actively encouraging staff and contractors to follow good practice in using energy efficiently and effectively, for example, through an Energy and Recycling Campaign in February 2006;
	Installing software on the next generation of the FCO's global IT network, due to start roll out early in 2007, to power down base units automatically out of hours;
	Participating in the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme which will help us to identify opportunities to reduce our use of energy.

Holy See (British Embassy)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the entertainment budget was for the British ambassador to the Holy See in each year since 1983; and what allowances the British ambassador to the Holy See was given in each year.

Douglas Alexander: Heads of mission are usually paid an accountable allowance, known as Frais, to cover the costs of official entertainment and other representational expenditure, including costs of running a residence which are not paid direct from public funds. The Frais budget for our ambassador to the Holy See for each of the past five years was as follows:
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
		
		
			 2001–02 11,085 
			 2002–03 10,754 
			 2003–04 12,473 
			 2004–05 12,306 
			 2005–06 12,473 
		
	
	Information on earlier years is not readily available and to obtain it would incur disproportionate cost.
	The current ambassador, who was appointed through open competition, does not receive Frais, but rather will be able to draw on an allowance of £36,000 for the year 2006–07. That sum, which is higher than the amount of Frais paid in previous years, reflects the shift to out-source catering and should be seen in the context of savings made from employing fewer full-time permanent domestic staff.
	An officer posted as ambassador to the Holy See receives the same allowances as an officer of a similar grade posted elsewhere overseas to compensate for the additional costs of living and working overseas.

Iraq/Kuwait

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of (a) the amount of oil and gas being flared off in (i) Iraq and (ii) Kuwait and (b) its impact on global carbon emissions; what representations the Government have made on this issue to the (A) Iraqi and (B) Kuwaiti authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The latest estimate from the US Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO) in Baghdad for the amount of gas flared in Iraq is 770 million standard cubic feet per day for the south and 20 million standard cubic feet for the north.
	IRMO has a project under way which aims to increase the amount of liquefied petroleum gas produced in southern Iraq from 1,000 to 3,000 tonnes per day. This will decrease the amount of gas flared in the south, as well as more than doubling the capture of dry gas for use in power stations from 200 million cubic feet (mcf) to 450 mcf.
	The UK seeks to support the Iraqi government in developing an integrated and sustainable energy strategy and we look forward to engaging with the incoming Iraqi Government in taking this forward. Such a strategy will address the linkages between Iraq's oil and gas sectors, as well as associated sectors such as electricity and oil refining. Measures to reduce the amount of gas flared are likely to be a key component of this policy.
	Approximately 1.28 million tonnes of gas was flared in Kuwait in 2004–05. There are no published figures for 2005–06. No representations have been made to the Government of Kuwait on this issue.
	Data are not readily available on the contribution to global carbon emissions of oil and gas flaring in Iraq and Kuwait. My officials will write to the hon. Member with the information in due course.

Jericho Monitoring Mission

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received that led him to believe that the incoming Palestinian government would not honour the terms of the Ramallah Agreement regarding the imprisonment of the six prisoners in Jericho prison; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The Palestinian Authority had consistently failed to meet its obligations under the Ramallah Agreement, despite frequent requests from UK and US officials. There was no evidence that the incoming government planned to rectify this situation. On the contrary, since the 25 January Palestinian Legislative Council elections, Hamas officials had called for the release of Ahmad Sa'adat. Other factions, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), of which Sa'adat is the General Secretary, had also repeatedly called for his release. President Abbas had offered to release Sa'adat on condition that the PFLP absolve him of responsibility for the consequences. We therefore had no reason to believe that the incoming Palestinian government would deal with the issue of non-compliance with the agreement, and we had good reason to believe that the incoming government intended to release one or more of the prisoners in contravention of the agreement.

Jericho Monitoring Mission

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Ramallah Agreement laid down (a) terms and (b) processes for a termination of the US/UK Jericho Monitoring Mission; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The monitoring arrangements entered into by the UK and the US were with the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We regularly reported to both governments about the mission as specified in the Ramallah Agreement. While the Ramallah Agreement did not lay down the exact terms and process for the termination of the UK/US Jericho Monitoring Mission, we were obliged to inform both parties when we were considering terminating our part in the agreement.

Jericho Monitoring Mission

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment was made of the likely action by the government of Israel in making the decision to withdraw British and US monitors from the prison in Jericho; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We assessed that if UK and US monitors withdrew from the prison Israel might attempt to secure the six detainees potentially resulting in Palestinian casualties. On 10 March the UK and US Ambassadors in Tel Aviv urged Israel to exercise restraint if the monitors had to withdraw. We also gave the Palestinian Authority every opportunity to undertake the measures necessary to avoid us having to take this action. However, ultimately the safety of our personnel had to take precedence.

Jericho Monitoring Mission

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government regards as the status of the six prisoners held in Jericho prison under the terms of the Ramallah Agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The Ramallah Agreement states that the arrangements within it are without prejudice to the stated position of the parties concerned on the current and future legal status of the six detainees, and that final resolution of the issue is for agreement between the two parties. We believe that this remains the case. For now the prisoners remain in Israeli custody.

Media Training

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent by his Department on media training in each year since 1997–98.

Jack Straw: The following amounts were spent on presentational skills and training in speaking skills in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and include media training as well as training for press officers at British embassies.
	No records are available prior to 2000.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2000–01 110,000 
			 2001–02 131,000 
			 2002–03 91,000 
			 2003–04 116,000 
			 2004–05 138,000 
			 2005–06 (estimate) 130,000 
		
	
	In 2005–06 the FCO is estimated to have spent £57,000 on the training courses with greatest coverage of media skills. A detailed breakdown for previous years cannot be provided.

Meetings (Indian Government)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings he has had in each of the previous five years with representatives of the Indian Government; and what meetings are planned.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary held the following number of meetings with representatives of the Indian Government:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2001 4 
			 2002 9 
			 2003 1 
			 2004 7 
			 2005 4 
		
	
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary currently has no meetings planned with representatives of the Indian Government.

Palestine

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what mechanisms have been employed in the past to protect against the diversion of UK funding to the Palestinian Territories into terrorist activities; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether UK disbursement of funds to the Palestinian Territories has been contingent upon signed declarations by the recipient parties that funds will not be diverted to terrorist activities; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: I have been asked to reply.
	The UK Government absolutely condemn all acts of terrorism and takes concerns over the use of UK and European Community (EC) aid very seriously. We have not and would not allow taxpayers' money to be used to fund terrorism.
	Since 2004, UK and European Community financial support to the budget of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been provided through a Reform Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank. Funding is conditional on the achievement of benchmarks for reform, progress against which is carefully monitored. The benchmarks cover the PA's audit and accounting processes as well as issues such as pension reform, the wage bill and the PA's budget process. The benchmarks require that the PA submit its annual financial statements to the Palestinian Legislative Council and be independently audited. This is intended to ensure the legitimate use of PA resources and that UK taxpayers' funds achieve value for money. The terms governing the Trust Fund are set out accordingly in signed memoranda of understanding between DFID and the World Bank and between the World Bank and the PA. There is no evidence to suggest that Reform Trust Fund money has been diverted to private bank accounts, or been used to support terrorism.
	Other assistance to the Palestinians is provided though the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for refugees and a number of smaller projects. Where projects involve the transfer of funds to a Palestinian agency, there is always a signed agreement with that agency on what funding may be used for. Furthermore, financial reports are submitted as part of a careful monitoring process designed to ensure the legitimate use of taxpayers' money. The UK government will not allow development aid to be used for anything other than poverty reduction.

Palestine

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of UK funding for the Palestinian Territories for 2005–06 has been disbursed; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: I have been asked to reply.
	DFID's allocation for aid to the Palestinians in the financial year 2005–06 is £30 million. We expect to have disbursed 99 per cent. of this allocation by the end of the financial year. Our assistance comprises:
	£15 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees;
	£15 million for bilateral assistance to the Palestinians, including £10 million direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority with the remaining for projects supporting institution building and reform, negotiations capacity and in the water sector.

Prism

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2006 to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South, Official Report, column 1909W, on Prism, which posts he referred to when he indicated that a concerted effort to improve on Prism's poor performance was beginning to pay dividends for a significant number of posts; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) Prism posts communicate using landlines (67 posts) or satellite links (112 posts). Changes to the FCO's IT infrastructure improved the speed and consistency of performance at most landline posts in September 2005. These changes did not improve the performance at posts using satellite communications to the same degree. Therefore other measures are being considered. Following successful tests at a small number of posts we are considering:
	transferring posts to landlines, where possible. Initial pilots have been conducted successfully at two posts, Warsaw and Budapest. Further pilots are planned at another seven posts this month: Ankara, Brasilia, Bucharest, Islamabad, Nairobi, New Delhi, Nicosia and Santiago. This change could be applied to 56 posts;
	installing hardware to accelerate communications over satellite links, where it is not possible for a post to migrate to a landline. Pilots are underway at five posts: Abuja, Accra, Pretoria, Lagos and Tehran.
	In parallel, ways of improving the speed of the Prism system itself are being pursued. System memory has recently been increased, allowing more users to use the system concurrently. Changes to balance the processing load across the system have also been implemented. And more powerful servers will be installed shortly.
	Prism performance, and that of the underpinning IT infrastructure remains a high priority for the FCO Board and an area where continuous improvement is being sought.

Prism

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2006 to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South, Official Report, column 1909W, on Prism, which posts will be the hub and spoke pilots for Prism during the financial year 2006–07; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Hub and spoke pilots for Prism will be carried out in Spain and Italy. Our embassy in Madrid will be a hub for Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Ibiza, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma, Seville and Tenerife. Our embassy in Rome will serve Florence, Milan and Naples.
	Our embassy in Washington is already acting as a hub, providing some 'shared services' to other posts in the US. Planning is underway to develop this initiative further during financial year 2006–07.

Prism

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Prism IT system's configuration problems affecting posts in South Asia and Russia/Central Asia; which posts are affected; for what reasons; whether compensation will be sought from the supplier; how it is intended that each post affected will close their accounts by 31 March; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: All changes to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) organisation must be reflected in the Prism software. Data defining how the posts in South Asia and Russia/Central Asia Directorates should operate were originally programmed incorrectly in Prism. This was revealed when the posts went 'live' on Prism between 7 and 9 February. The posts could not access their suppliers or approve purchases, so they could not buy goods or services using Prism. Software 'rules' granting access to some accounting processes were also wrong. These problems stopped posts using Prism: it took until 22 February to resolve them fully.
	The posts affected were Chennai, Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Kabul, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Almaty, Ashgabat, Baku, Dushanbe, Ekaterinburg, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tashkent, Tblisi and Yerevan.
	To protect the FCO's financial year 2005–06 account closure and alleviate pressure on staff at these posts, they were asked to return their accounts on spreadsheets, rather than on Prism, until 31 March. These spreadsheets are loaded into Prism in the UK. Most of the posts will now go live on Prism in April.
	An investigation has been initiated into how these configuration problems arose, and how the issues were resolved subsequently.

Ramallah Agreement

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place a copy of the Ramallah Agreement in the Library.

Jack Straw: A copy of the Ramallah Agreement was placed in the Library of the House on 15 March. I will send the right hon. Member a copy.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Minni Minawi and (b) Abdul Wahid al-Nur factions of the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army.

Ian Pearson: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary addressed representatives of all the Parties, including both factions of the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army, at the Darfur peace talks in Abuja on 14 February 2006. He pressed the parties to make faster progress, to implement the cease-fire and called for the leaders of all the movements to attend the talks.
	Following my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's speech, Minni Minnawi returned to the talks on 22 February, and the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement, Dr Khalil Ibrahim, arrived on 12 March. This was the first time all three leaders had all been in Abuja since June 2005. Our Special Representative to the talks in Abuja, Dr Rod Pullen, regularly meets the representatives of all the parties to urge them to move rapidly towards a political settlement.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received on the government in Khartoum's approach to (a) the extension of the African Union mission and (b) the deployment of a UN mission in Darfur.

Ian Pearson: On 10 March 2006, the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) decided to extend the mandate of its mission in Darfur (AMIS) to 30 September 2006, and to support in principle the transition of AMIS to the UN.
	On 12 March, the Government of Sudan welcomed the decision to extend the AMIS mandate, and announced it was setting up a committee to examine the PSC's report in full. However, in recent interviews Vice President Taha has noted his opposition to UN deployment in Darfur.
	We have made clear to the Government of Sudan that we expect them to co-operate with the existing AMIS mission, and with the transition to a UN force. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development underlined this point during his recent visit to Khartoum. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, reiterated this to the Sudanese Foreign Minister when he visited London last month. We will sustain this pressure.

Syria

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) of 7 December 2005, Official Report, column 1397W, on Syria, what developments there have been in the trial of Dr. Kamal al-Labwani in Syria; and whether further representations have been made by UK officials to the Government of Syria regarding his fair and proper treatment.

Jack Straw: There have been no developments in the trial of Dr. Labwani, nor has the UK made any further representations to the Government of Syria since my hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East gave the answer to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) on 7 December 2005 Official Report, column 1397W. We will continue to monitor developments in Dr. Labwani's case closely and are discussing with our European colleagues how to take forward representations on this issue.

HEALTH

Acinetobacter Infections

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of infection with the bacteria Acinetobacter were reported in the NHS in Wales in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005; and what the most recent data is which she has collected on the reported number of infections in England and Wales in 2005.

Jane Kennedy: The Health Protection Agency's centre for infections receives reports of Acinetobacter species blood stream infections (bacteraemias) that are voluntarily reported by microbiology laboratories in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
	The number of Acinetobacter species bacteraemias reported in Wales for 2004 and 2005 is 39 and 24 respectively.
	The number of reports for England in 2005 is 1,015. However, figures for 2005 are expected to rise due to late reporting. We expect these to be published in the autumn.

Barts/Broomfield Hospitals (PFI)

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  for what reasons (a) the St. Bartholomews' private finance initiative (PFI) scheme has been approved and (b) the Broomfield Hospital PFI scheme has not yet received approval; and what the effect was of the recent ruling by the Treasury on each scheme;
	(2)  when she expects a decision to be taken on approval of the Broomfield Hospital private finance initiative scheme;
	(3)  what the estimated total extra costs incurred per month are of the delay in approving the Broomfield Hospital private finance initiative scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: We announced on 26 January 2006 that all trusts would need to confirm their capital investment plans through a reappraisal process, including where applicable private finance initiative (PFI) schemes. The aim of this process is to ensure that all schemes properly take account of the current reforms to the national health service such as choice, a movement of services into primary and community settings, the new financial regime as well as long-term affordability, assumptions on efficiency gains and income growth.
	The PFI scheme at Barts and the London NHS Trust was very close to financial close when this announcement was made, and indeed had already been the subject of close scrutiny in the weeks before the announcement. As a result of further discussions between the Department and the trust and their private sector partners the original plans were revised and have formed an addendum to the full business case (FBC).
	Departmental officials will shortly be writing to all trusts with PFI schemes letting them know how the reappraisal process will work. Schemes such as the one at the Mid-Essex Hospital Trust, which are closer to financial close, will be focused on first. The trust may incur some additional costs in carrying out this work, but this will be more than offset by the savings which will be realised by the reappraisal exercise.

Birkdale Clinic (Daventry)

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the circumstances were in which operations scheduled with the Birkdale Clinic in Daventry after 28 February were cancelled and the clinic's ongoing contract with the NHS terminated; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: In February 2006, the Daventry and South Northants Primary Care Trust, the national health service sponsor of the NHS Treatment Centre, supported by the Department and the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Strategic Health Authority, served a notice of termination on the grounds that Birkdale Clinic (Rotherham) Ltd., the provider, had not secured the necessary Healthcare Commission registration for endoscopic procedures.
	Birkdale Clinic disputed the allegation that it did not have the necessary registration and disputed any right to terminate the contract on those grounds. However, the parties have agreed that the contract should end on 28 February. The parties are cooperating to ensure that there is no, or minimal, impact for patients arising from the end of the contract.

Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  who is responsible for providing testing kits as part of the introduction of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme;
	(2)  how many testing kits have been (a) ordered, (b) manufactured and (c) distributed in readiness for the rollout of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme from 1 April 2006;
	(3)  if she will list the programme hub and testing centres commissioned by NHS Cancer Screening Programmes in readiness for the implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme;
	(4)  what preparations have been made to invite men and women aged 60 to 69 years to be screened for bowel cancer following the implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Rosie Winterton: The Government have stated their commitment to a National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. On 30 January 2006, the new Health White Paper, Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services" reaffirmed that the programme will be rolled out from April 2006. Departmental budgets for 2006–07 are currently under consideration by Ministers, and resolution is expected by the end of March 2006.
	Five programme hubs across England will invite men and women to participate in the screening programme, send out the faecal occult blood (FOB) testing kits, interpret kits and send results out. 90 to 100 local screening centres will provide endoscopy services for the 2 per cent. of men and women who have a positive FOB test result.
	NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are currently assessing where the five programme hubs will be located. The English bowel cancer screening pilot site at the Hospital of St. Cross, Rugby, Warwickshire, is expected to become the first programme hub when national roll-out begins. It is hoped to establish the other four programme hubs by March 2007, with announcements to be made in due course.
	NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are taking all the necessary action to ensure that successful roll-out of the programme, including the procurement of testing kits. Following a formal tendering exercise, a preferred provider of the testing kits has been selected. An order will be placed for the delivery of the kits in time for the commencement of the programme.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the policy of (a) her Department and (b) the NHS regarding the sourcing of goods from Burma.

Jane Kennedy: The Department's policy on the procurement of goods and services is based on value for money, having due regard to propriety and regularity and ensuring full compliance with the European Union public procurement directive and other regulatory requirements. The directive promotes equal treatment, transparency and competitive procurement as well as prohibiting discrimination on grounds of nationality.

Counterfeit Medicines

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the (a) prevalence and (b) effects on health care of (i) counterfeit Lipitor and (ii) other counterfeit medicines.

Jane Kennedy: There have been three reported incidents of counterfeit medicines having reached patients through the United Kingdom pharmaceutical supply chain via prescription since 1994. Over 650 million prescriptions are written annually in the UK. Therefore the risk of receiving a counterfeit medicine through the regulated pharmaceutical supply chain in the UK is low.
	However, there is evidence of counterfeit medicines being obtained by customers in the UK via the internet, by mail order or on a personal basis. The vast majority of these instances are from websites or organisations based in other countries and are mainly lifestyle products used to treat erectile dysfunction, obesity and hair-loss. Products purchased in this way cannot be guaranteed for their safety, quality and efficacy. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) investigates such websites or related persons/organisations based in the UK and refers details of overseas equivalents to respective international counterparts.
	Following the detection of counterfeit Lipitor tablets (20milligram Lot 004405K1) in the legitimate UK pharmaceutical supply chain in July 2005, the counterfeit tablets were analysed by the manufacturer (Pfizer) and the MHRA laboratory. The analysed tablets contained Lovastatin which is a different active ingredient to Lipitor's Atorvastatin but has similar actions in vivo. The medical risks and benefits were reviewed by physicians in the MHRA and Pfizer who both independently agreed that a class two recall was appropriate because there was assessed to be no immediate danger to patients. The MHRA issued the recall for this medicine on 28 July 2005 which covered both counterfeit material and genuine material which shared a common batch number.
	Counterfeit medicines which are discovered in the legitimate UK pharmaceutical supply chain are analysed to establish the identity and amount of any active ingredients present. A medical evaluation of the risks to patients is undertaken which determines the level of recall to be conducted for the medicine. The absence of active ingredient, reduced potency, hyperpotency and/or incorrect active ingredient in suspected and determined counterfeits as well as an analysis of the length and type of treatment contribute to this risk assessment process.

Dentistry

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether dentists who do not sign the general dental services contract will be able to provide free dental treatment for school-age NHS patients.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 16 March 2006
	From 1 April 2006, a general dental practitioner who has not signed a new general dental services contract or new personal dental services agreement will not be able to provide national health service treatment.

Dentistry

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) assumptions, (b) estimates and (c) trends were used in forecasting an average annual income for a dentist under the new personal dental services contract of (i) £80,000 fees and (ii) £80,000 expenses; and what steps she took to validate this forecast.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 20 March 2006
	Most dentists who provide national health service primary dental care services are not paid on a salaried basis, but through a system of NHS fees and other payments that go towards the costs of running a dental practice as well as the dentist's net income.
	These estimates of average net income and expenses for a committed NHS dentist are based on data for dentists in the general dental services (GDS). The historical estimates of average earnings and expenses for GDS dentists are calculated by the NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre, based on data on gross fees and payments from the Dental Practice Board (DPB) and data from HM Revenue and Customs on expenses.
	DPB payment data show that on average, a dentist with a reasonable NHS commitment in 2004–05 in the GDS received gross GDS income of about £154,350. Dentists with a reasonable commitment are defined as those with gross fee earnings of £59,100 or more. These averages covered some 7,640 GDS principal dentists who worked throughout the year 2004–05.
	HM Revenue and Customs information from dentists' tax returns show that the average ratio of expenses to gross earnings for a highly committed NHS dentist is around 52 per cent. (2003–04 tax year). The same source gives average net income of a highly committed NHS dentist from all sources as £78,600 in the tax year 2003–04. Average expenses were about £85,200. This information is taken from the tax returns of 392 GDS principal dentists who were in non-associate business arrangements for whom the tax year ended between January and March 2004.
	Based on the data from these sources, the Department estimates that a highly committed GDS dentist earns an average NHS income of around £80,000 in 2005–06. We do not have equivalent data for personal dental services (PDS) dentists, but there are no reasons for supposing any significant difference in average earnings.
	GDS dentists are being offered new contracts which guarantee their earnings in the reference period, October 2004 to September 2005, provided their activity as expressed in units of dental activity (UDAs) is 95 per cent. of its level during this reference period. PDS providers are entitled to new PDS agreements (or GDS contracts) based on their current contract values.

Dentistry

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on NHS general dental services in Lancashire in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The main element of national health service dental services are the primary dental care services provided by dentists working within the general dental service (GDS), or personal dental service (PDS) pilots. The following tables display the readily available data on expenditure on these services for primary care trusts in the Lancashire area and for the Cumbria and Lancashire strategic health authority (SHA). The difference between gross and net expenditure is the contribution to costs from dental charges collected directly from patients. Note that data on PDS expenditure are only available for the financial year 2004–05.
	
		Core GDS and PDS dental payments 1, 2, 3, 4
		
			 £ million, cash terms(52) 
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Blackburn with Darwen  
			 Gross GDS payments 4.372 4.637 4.981 5.289 4.915 
			 Net GDS payments 3.128 3.374 3.644 4.068 3.966 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 4.372 4.637 4.981 5.289 5.372 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.128 3.374 3.644 4.068 4.378 
			   
			 Blackpool  
			 Gross GDS payments 5.539 5.676 5.651 5.745 4.340 
			 Net GDS payments 4.026 4.091 4.030 4.115 3.089 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 5.539 5.676 5.651 5.745 5.726 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 4.026 4.091 4.030 4.115 4.297 
			   
			 Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale  
			 Gross GDS payments 6.837 6.244 6.104 6.594 4.784 
			 Net GDS payments 4.827 4.463 4.311 4.547 3.496 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 6.837 6.244 6.104 6.594 7.031 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 4.827 4.463 4.311 4.547 5.434 
			   
			 Chorley and South Ribble  
			 Gross GDS payments 5.142 5.616 5.795 5.929 5.957 
			 Net GDS payments 3.419 3.695 3.798 3.936 4.034 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 5.142 5.616 5.795 5.929 6.748 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.419 3.695 3.798 3.936 4.728 
			   
			 Fylde  
			 Gross GDS payments 2.409 2.495 2.628 2.679 2.652 
			 Net GDS payments 1.492 1.547 1.631 1.642 1.703 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 2.409 2.495 2.628 2.679 3.360 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 1.492 1.547 1.631 1.642 2.305 
			   
			 Hyndburn and Ribble Valley  
			 Gross GDS payments 2.983 3.085 3.212 3.252 2.244 
			 Net GDS payments 2.076 2.144 2.231 2.290 1.691 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 2.983 3.085 3.212 3.252 3.228 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.076 2.144 2.231 2.290 2.544 
			   
			 Morecambe Bay  
			 Gross GDS payments 8.983 9.642 9.767 9.799 9.260 
			 Net GDS payments 5.667 6.081 6.180 6.331 6.140 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 8.983 9.642 9.767 9.799 10.824 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 5.667 6.081 6.180 6.331 7.519 
			   
			 Preston  
			 Gross GDS payments 4.725 4.655 4.623 5.034 5.061 
			 Net GDS payments 3.494 3.432 3.371 3.648 3.762 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 4.725 4.655 4.623 5.034 5.275 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.494 3.432 3.371 3.648 3.955 
			 West Lancashire  
			 Gross GDS payments 3.691 3.922 4.127 4.583 3.844 
			 Net GDS payments 2.654 2.820 3.003 3.381 3.044 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 3.691 3.922 4.127 4.583 5.580 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.654 2.820 3.003 3.381 4.511 
			   
			 Wyre  
			 Gross GDS payments 3.620 3.784 3.970 3.783 2.813 
			 Net GDS payments 2.319 2.412 2.519 2.416 1.810 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 3.620 3.784 3.970 3.783 4.511 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.319 2.412 2.519 2.416 3.250 
		
	
	
		Core GDS and PDS dental payments 1, 2, 3, 4
		
			 £ million, real terms(52) 
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Blackburn with Darwen  
			 Gross GDS payments 4.846 5.015 5222 5.402 4.919 
			 Net GDS payments 3.467 3.650 3.820 4.155 3.966 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 4.846 5.015 5.222 5.402 5.372 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.467 3.650 3.820 4.155 4.378 
			   
			 Blackpool  
			 Gross GDS payments 6.139 6.140 5.924 5.867 4.340 
			 Net GDS payments 4.462 4.425 4.225 4.203 3.089 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 6.139 6.140 5.924 5.867 5.726 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 4.462 4.425 4.225 4.203 4.297 
			   
			 Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale  
			 Gross GDS payments 7.578 6.753 6.399 6.735 4.784 
			 Net GDS payments 5.350 4.827 4.520 4.644 3.496 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 7.578 6.753 6.399 6.735 7.031 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 5.350 4.827 4.520 4.644 5.434 
			   
			 Chorley and South Ribble  
			 Gross GDS payments 5.699 6.074 6.076 6.055 5.957 
			 Net GDS payments 3.789 3.996 3.982 4.020 4.034 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 5.699 6.074 6.076 6.055 6.748 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.789 3.996 3.982 4.020 4.728 
			   
			 Fylde  
			 Gross GDS payments 2.670 2.699 2.755 2.736 2.652 
			 Net GDS payments 1.654 1.673 1.710 1.677 1.703 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 2.670 2.699 2.755 2.736 3.360 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 1.654 1.673 1.710 1.677 2.305 
			   
			 Hyndburn and Ribble Valley  
			 Gross GDS payments 3.306 3.336 3.367 3.322 2.244 
			 Net GDS payments 2.301 2.319 2.339 2.339 1.691 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 3.306 3.336 3.367 3.322 3.228 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.301 2.319 2.339 2.339 2.544 
			   
			 Morecambe Bay  
			 Gross GDS payments 9.956 10.429 10.239 10.008 9.2650 
			 Net GDS payments 6.281 6.578 6.479 6.466 6.140 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 9.956 10.429 10.239 10.008 10.824 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 6.281 6.578 6.479 6.466 7.519 
			   
			 Preston  
			 Gross GDS payments 5.237 5.035 4.846 5.141 5.061 
			 Net GDS payments 3.872 3.712 3.533 3.726 3.762 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 5.237 5.035 4.846 5.141 5.275 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 3.872 3.712 3.533 3.726 3.955 
			   
			 West Lancashire  
			 Gross GDS payments 4.090 4.242 4.326 4.681 3.844 
			 Net GDS payments 2.941 3.050 3.148 3.454 3.044 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 4.090 4.242 4.326 4.681 5.580 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.941 3.050 3.148 3.454 4.511 
			   
			 Wyre  
			 Gross GDS payments 4.012 4.093 4.162 3.864 2.813 
			 Net GDS payments 2.570 2.609 2.641 2.467 1.810 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 4.012 4.093 4.162 3.864 4.511 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 2.570 2.609 2.641 2.467 3.250 
		
	
	
		Cumbria and Lancashire SHA data, Core GDS and PDS dental payments1, 2, 3, 4
		
			 £ million, cash terms(52) 
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Gross GDS payments 56.836 58.738 59.800 61.915 54.585 
			 Net GDS payments 38.707 40.006 40.610 42.484 38.556 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 56.836 58.738 59.800 61.915 66.567 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 38.707 40.006 40.610 42.484 48.939 
		
	
	
		Core GDS and PDS dental payments1, 2, 3, 4
		
			 £ million, real terms(52) 
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Gross GDS payments 62.995 63.533 62.690 63.236 54.585 
			 Net GDS payments 42.901 43.271 42.573 43.390 38.556 
			 Gross GDS and PDS payments 62.995 63.533 62.690 63.236 66.597 
			 Net GDS and PDS payments 42.901 43.271 42.573 43.390 48.939 
		
	
	(48) Gross GDS payments include adult fees (including item of service and continuing care payments), child fees (including item of service and capitation payments), commitment payments and point of treatment check payment training (in 2001 only), seniority payments, maternity/paternity/adoptive leave payments, long-term sick leave payments, continuing professional development allowances including travel hours, reimbursement of business rates, vocational training grants and clinical audit payments. The following costs are excluded from this data: employer's superannuation costs, vocational trainee salaries and national insurance contribution costs, clinical audit convenors, clinical audit secretarial support costs and travel expenses, and costs associated with any salaried general dental practitioners and emergency dental services.
	(49) PDS payment data are included for 2004–05 only and relates to baseline payments or the agreed regular monthly payments made to PDS practices. Reliable PDS data at practice level are not available prior to 2004–05. The data cannot identify the cost of any PDS services that are directly managed by local NHS trusts, such as certain dental access centres.
	(50) Payments are assigned to areas on the basis of practice postcode data.
	(51) Net payments represent the balance of payments due after taking account of NHS dental charge income collected from patients by dental practices.
	5 Figures have been converted into 2004–05 prices using the December 2005 GDP deflator index.
	Source:
	Primary Care Statistics.

Diabetes

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the efficacy of animal-based insulin as a medication for those with diabetes; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: All animal derived insulins that are licensed as medicinal products in the United Kingdom for human use have been assessed as satisfactory based on the critical parameters of quality, safety and efficacy before being approved.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2006, Official Report, column 1306W, on prescribing practice (budget over-runs), whether the representations she has received on the potential impact of local NHS deficits have included representations on occurrences of patients being denied treatments at certain times of the year or month when budgets are likely to over-run.

Jane Kennedy: The Department has received correspondence relating to financial deficits but it is notpossible to analyse in retrospect whether those include individual representations without incurring disproportionate cost.

Drug-related Arrests (Peterborough)

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many arrests for drug-related offences have been made in Peterborough constituency in the last 10 years.

Paul Goggins: I have been asked to reply.
	Data on number of arrests for suspected drug-related offences are not collated in the form requested.
	The total number of persons arrested for drug offences and other acquisitive offences, a significant proportion of which are likely to be drug-related, in the Cambridgeshire police force area since 1999–2000 is shown in the following table.
	
		Number of persons arrested for recorded crime (notifiable offences) by offence type, Cambridgeshire police force area 1, 2
		
			 Number 
			 Type of offence 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Drug offences 842 735 804 711 646 525 
			 Robbery 266 214 296 250 256 258 
			 Burglary 1,223 1,111 1,162 1,081 1,139 1,155 
			 Theft and handling stolen goods 4,304 4,362 4,429 4,145 4,068 3,983 
			 Fraud and forgery 416 311 316 340 355 305 
		
	
	(52) Information prior to 1999–2000 is not available.
	(53) Information for 2005–06 will be available in autumn 2006.

Hospital Referrals

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are in place to enable primary care trusts to monitor the number of referrals to hospitals by individual (a) GPs and (b) GP's surgeries; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Department does not centrally collect the information requested. Mechanisms for monitoring referrals are managed at a local level through primary care trusts working with general practitioners and hospitals.

NHS Operating Framework

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the implications for (a) hospital and (b) ward provision of measures arising from the requirement in the NHS operating framework for 2006–07 for all NHS organisations to return a surplus.

Jane Kennedy: The Department sets minimum standards for all areas of the national health service that must be delivered. There can be no trade-off between meeting these requirements and eliminating deficits. It isfor local decision making to determine how muchhospital capacity is required locally to achieve these standards and whether progress beyond these standards is possible whilst maintained good financial performance.

NHS Spending

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to tackle the projected overspend in the NHS in the 2005–06 financial year.

Jane Kennedy: We have made it absolutely clear that deficits and poor financial management in a minority of organisations is not acceptable.
	For the organisations with the biggest problems we have sent in financial and management specialists (turnaround teams) to help the organisations address their problems of poor financial management.
	We are taking action now with the minority of organisations that are underperforming to ensure that the position improves and financial balance is restored in the national health service by the end of 2006–07.
	The turnaround teams will support the NHS in identifying opportunities to deliver services with greater cost-effectiveness and to make financial savings. They will help the local NHS ensure that the NHS delivers both its key targets and financial balance.
	Strategic health authorities remain responsible for the performance management of their organisations, but we have imposed a more comprehensive monitoring and performance management regime.

Nurse Assistants

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of changes in the volumes and sources of individual drugs prescribed in hospitals following the commencement in hospitals of the deployment of nurse assistants employed by pharmaceutical companies.

Jane Kennedy: The Department does not collect data centrally relating to the volumes, sources of individual drugs prescribed in hospitals, nor the type of clinician who prescribed the medicine. However, in 2004–05 the Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) drugs bill spend, which covers expenditure by hospitals on drugs and medical gases, was an estimated £2.6 billion, an increase of 14 per cent. on 2003–04.
	The Department has issued guidance HSG(93)5 Standards of Business Conduct for NHS Staff and Commercial Sponsorship—Ethical Standards for the NHS" that requires the national health service employers to satisfy themselves that sponsorship arrangements are properly conducted and are in the best interests of the NHS. In addition, clinicians are required to comply with professional guidance. The Nursing and Midwifery Council code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics particularly advises that wherever nurses work, are required to adhere to their code of conduct. Specifically, it states they must
	'ensure their registration status is not used in the promotion of commercial products or services and ensure professional judgment is not influenced by any commercial considerations'.
	In 2003, the Department issued a medicines management framework to the NHS trusts to support the development of good practice standards in medicines management. The framework specifically addresses the need for trusts to have written policies for all relevant staff members to ensure high standards of probity and business conduct, including working with pharmaceutical industry representatives.
	The Healthcare Commission is currently carrying out an acute hospital portfolio medicines management review. The review will consider a number of aspects of medicines management and investigate the corporate governance structures that are supporting medicines management which will include management of budgets and expenditure. The outcome of this review is expected to be available in summer 2006.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications received by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency for the validation of over the counter medicines are outstanding; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 March 2006
	The total number of applications outstanding with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency (MHRA) for new product licences for over-the-counter medicines (on 13 March 2006) was 347. These represent approximately 12 per cent. of the total number of product licence applications undergoing assessment in the MHRA.

Prescriptions (Pre-payment Certificates)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pre-payment certificates for prescriptions have been issued in London in each of the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: Information on the number of pre-payment certificates (PPCs) issued for London is not separately identifiable. However, the number of PPCs issued for England, by month for each of the last 12 months is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2005  
		
		
			 March 127,400 
			 April 84,821 
			 May 90,624 
			 June 97,744 
			 July 88,624 
			 August 92,221 
			 September 93,500 
			 October 92,922 
			 November 97,131 
			 December 78,487 
			   
			 2006  
			 January 102,945 
			 February 96,312

Purified Protein Derivative

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2006, Official Report, column 993W, on purified protein derivative, when she expects data which would demonstrate the safety, quality and efficacy of the purified protein derivative used in Mantoux skin testing to be submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for its consideration; and what representations she has received on this matter.

Jane Kennedy: It would be for the applicant to consider when to submit an application for a marketing authorisation if sufficient data to demonstrate quality, safety and efficacy of the product are available.
	There is currently no pending marketing authorisation application with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for a purified protein derivative for Mantoux testing.
	The Department has received representations on issues surrounding Mantoux and Ministers have dealt with a number of letters and parliamentary question 39325.

South-west London SHA

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the strategic health authority for South West London has been instructed that the health economy within its jurisdiction must balance its budget for 2005–06.

Jane Kennedy: All national health service organisations are expected to plan for and achieve financial balance.
	Strategic health authorities (SHAs) are responsible for delivering overall financial balance for their local health economy. However, the month six, forecast for South West London SHA's overall economy at year-end suggests that financial balance is not going to be achieved this year.
	At this late stage in the financial year, we would expect the SHA to take all reasonable actions to improve the financial position.

Telephone and Entertainment Systems

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the NHS Trusts at which (a) Patientline and (b) other private service providers provide telephone and entertainment systems.

Jane Kennedy: The bedside entertainment systems are currently being provided by four service providers. They have an operational system in the national health service trusts listed as follows:
	Hospital Telephone Services (HTS)
	Ashford and Peter's NHS Trust
	Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Bedford Hospitals NHS Trust
	Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
	Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust
	King's College Hospital NHS Trust
	Medway NHS Trust
	Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust
	Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust
	West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
	Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust
	Patientline
	Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
	Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust
	Barts and the London NHS Trust
	Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust
	Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust
	Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust
	Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust (Huddersfield Royal Infirmary)
	Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust
	Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Christie Hospital NHS Trust
	City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
	County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
	Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
	East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust
	East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
	East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust
	Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust
	Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
	Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust
	Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
	Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
	The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
	Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust
	Kings Lynn and Wisbech Hospitals NHS Trust
	Kingston Hospital NHS Trust
	Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
	Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust
	Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust
	The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust
	Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust
	Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust
	Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust
	North Bristol NHS Trust
	North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
	North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust
	North West London Hospital NHS Trust
	Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust
	Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust
	Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust
	Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust
	Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust
	Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS trust
	Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
	Poole Hospital NHS Trust
	Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
	The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
	Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust
	Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
	The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust
	The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
	Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust
	Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
	Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust
	Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust
	Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust
	Salisbury Healthcare NHS Trust
	Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
	Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust
	Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
	South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust
	South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust
	South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust
	Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust
	St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust
	St. Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust
	St .Mary's NHS Trust
	Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
	Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
	Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust
	Taunton and Somerset Hospital NHS Trust
	The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust
	The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust
	The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
	Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust
	United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	University College London NHS Foundation Trust
	University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
	University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
	West Dorset General Hospitals NHS Trust
	Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust
	Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust
	Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
	Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust
	York Hospitals NHS Trust
	Premier Managed Payphones
	Birmingham Women's Healthcare NHS Trust
	Cheshire and Wirral Partnerships NHS Trust
	Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
	South Devon NHS Trust
	South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust
	Southend Hospitals NHS Trust
	The Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust
	United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust
	University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
	West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust
	Wirral Hospitals NHS Trust
	Wandsworth Group
	Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust
	Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust (Calderdale Royal Hospital)
	Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust
	Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
	Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
	The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery
	Weston Area Health NHS Trust

Telephone and Entertainment Systems

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance her Department has issued on the provision of premium telephone and entertainment systems to patients; and what advice about costs and alternatives patients are given.

Jane Kennedy: The Department has not issued guidance to patients on the provision of the bedside entertainment systems. These systems are run by private providers and offer additional services for the patient. Patients who wish to use the services are made aware of the charges at the time they sign up to use the system and by literature posted around the hospital.
	Hospital payphones and televisions in day rooms are available for patients who do not wish to use the service.

Temozolomide

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will instruct the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence urgently to re-examine the efficacy of the brain tumour drug temozolomide.

Jane Kennedy: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently appraising temozolomide for the treatment of high grade gliomas. NICE expects to publish final guidance to the national health service in August 2006. Further information is available from NICE'S website at www.nice.org.uk.

Temozolomide

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost of a course of the brain tumour drug temozolomide; and what assessment has been made of the drug's efficacy.

Jane Kennedy: As stated in the September 2005 edition of the British National Formulary, the cost of temozolomide is as follows: £17.50 for five 5mg tablets, £69.20 for five 20mg tablets. £346 for five l00mg tablets and £865 for five 250mg tablets, excluding VAT.
	We are unable to provide an average cost of a course of the brain tumour drug temozolomide. Treatment costs will vary depending on individual circumstances and in different settings because of negotiated procurement discounts.
	I understand that temozolomide was assessed for quality, safety and efficacy within a Europe-wide authorisation procedure.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Penalty Notices (Alcohol)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices have been issued for (a) consumption of alcohol by and (b) selling alcohol to under age people by (i) Middlesbrough council and (ii) Redcar and Cleveland council in the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: It is not possible to identify the number of penalty notices for disorder issued in Middlesbrough council and Redcar and Cleveland council areas because centrally available data are for police force areas and are not broken down to that level of detail.

Antisocial Behaviour

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what steps he (a) is taking to and (b) plans to take to tackle anti-social behaviour outside nightclubs and public houses in West Lancashire; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how much was provided to West Lancashire District Council to tackle antisocial behaviour in the last year for which figures are available.

Hazel Blears: Tackling antisocial behaviour is a cross-departmental issue and many Government Departments contribute to this agenda. A wide range of funding streams across Government have a positive impact on tackling anti-social behaviour. For example, Neighbourhood Renewal programmes which focus on the most deprived areas give practitioners and local communities a real opportunity to turn their neighbourhoods around; DFES through their work on schools and parenting contribute to preventing problems escalating and ensuring families get the support they need; DEFRA and their work in tackling litter and fly tipping which can often blight neighbourhoods where antisocial behaviour and crime can take hold; and DCMS who provide the opportunity to divert young people from destructive and damaging involvement in antisocial behaviour. The DCA also contributes to ensure a swift and effective criminal justice system for dealing with the perpetrators of antisocial behaviour.
	In 2005–06 the Home Office has allocated25,000 to every Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) in both England and Wales, including West Lancashire to tackle antisocial behaviour. This amounts to £9.4 million per annum and forms part of the Safer, Stronger Communities Fund.
	The Government are determined to target those individuals involved in alcohol related disorder in our towns and cities. We have recently undertaken our third Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) to crack down on such behaviour. Southern Lancashire Basic Command Unit which covers West Lancashire received an extra £10,000 of Home Office funding as part of this campaign. Overall during the campaign police and trading standard officers carried out over 6,000 test purchase operations, dealt with more than 30,000 offences and made over 25,000 arrests. The police work that led to the success of AMEC will now continue on a daily basis as part of everyday mainstream police activities. We have also introduced a range of new powers through the Licensing Act 2003 to deal with the problems of alcohol misuse. In addition, the Violent Crime Reduction Bill will introduce a new civil order- a Drinking Banning Order, which will allow for the exclusion from the area concerned of individuals aged 16 or over who are responsible for alcohol-related disorder.

Antisocial Behaviour

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what percentage of the total number of antisocial behaviour orders granted in England have been issued to (a) men, (b) women, (c) people aged under 21 and (d) people aged under 18;
	(2)  how many people in Swindon have been found to be in breach of antisocial behaviour orders; and how many were given custodial sentences as a result.

Hazel Blears: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been available to the courts since one April 1999. From commencement up to 31 May 2000 data were collected on aggregate numbers only. Since 1 June 2000, from copies of orders received, we are able to determine the sex and age of ASBO recipients. In England, of the total number of ASBOs issued from 1 June 2000 to 30 June 2005 (latest available), 87 per cent. have been issued to men, 13 per cent. to women, 59 per cent. to people aged under 21 and 44 per cent. to those aged under 18.
	ASBO breach data are currently available from one June 2000 to 31 December 2003 for ASBOs issued since 1 June 2000. The data are available at Criminal Justice System area level only. During this period three people in Wiltshire breached their ASBO on one or more occasions, two of whom received a custodial sentence.

Cannabis

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government policy on cannabis is informed by the view that cannabis is a gateway to harder drugs; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Government policy on the classification of cannabis is informed by the work of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and their two comprehensive reports on the subject in 2002 and 2005. While their most recent report (2005) does not address specifically the issue of cannabis being a gateway to harder" drugs, they fully considered this issue in their earlier report.
	They concluded that proving a causal link between cannabis use and the use of other drugs was extremely difficult. They advised that other important factors, such as the personality of the user and their social environment, were extremely important. They highlighted the fact that the evidence shows that the majority of cannabis users never in fact move on to Class A drugs.
	The ACMD continue to monitor the situation closely. If new evidence was produced to change their view they would, of course, advise the Government accordingly.

Charities Bill

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his latest estimate is of the number of exempt charities of each class which would cease to be exempt under the proposals in the Charities Bill; and how many of each class would become exempted.

Paul Goggins: We estimate that around 10,000 exempt charities in England and Wales would be affected by the current proposals. Of these, we estimate that around 7,800 would have to register with the Charity Commission and around 1,000 would become excepted from the requirement to register as their annual income would be below 100,000. The remaining group of around 1,200 would retain exempt status but be regulated by a separate Principal Regulator.
	We do not have detailed estimates by class of charity. However we believe that approximately 7,000 Voluntary Schools and 800 charitable Industrial and Provident Societies and Registered Friendly Societies would account for the vast majority of those charities that would lose exempt status under the proposals in the Charities Bill, and be required to register with the Charity Commission.
	Chapter 4 of the Regulatory Impact Assessment accompanying the Charities Bill provides more information about the proposals relating to exempt charities.

Children in Custody

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2006 to question 47527, on children in custody, if he will make it his policy to record the numbers of children held in penal custody who had (a) some form of mental health problem, (b) a history of having been in care, (c) literacy levels below the average for their age, (d) reported experience of violence at home, (e) reported suffering from sexual abuse and (f) not accessed educational provision prior to custody.

Fiona Mactaggart: These details are already recorded, for example in the trainee's ASSET form, but are not collated centrally. Individual information is needed in relation to each trainee; but an overall picture can be obtained from research studies based on samples of trainees. Mental health data obtained by this method is included in the Youth Justice Board's 2005 publication Mental health needs and provision" and data on literacy and school attendance in its 2001 survey An audit of education provision within the juvenile secure estate". These studies are available on the Board's website (www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk). New research on school attendance is currently in hand. The development of electronic systems within the youth justice system should make it possible to collate a larger amount of information than can readily be done at present.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, dated 10th January 2006 on behalf of Mrs. Gladise Masero, Home Office Reference M1087704.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 17 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 9 November 2005 regarding (acknowledgement B26843/5) on behalf of Rajinder Kumar, K501739.

Tony McNulty: The Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 16 March.

Correspondence

Susan Kramer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will reply in full to the letters from the hon. Member for Richmond Park dated 1 and 14 December 2005 and 1 February 2006 regarding the immigration case of Mr. Hakim Shena Suleyman (Home Office Reference: H421951).

Tony McNulty: The Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to the hon. Member on 16 March.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 9 November 2005 (acknowledgement B26882/5) on behalf of Mrs. Zohra Kousar Pak, HO ref. K12009973.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate replied to my right hon. Friend on 20 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 21 December 2005 (acknowledgement B30471/5) on behalf of Mohammed Ubaidul Hassan Ludhi, HO ref. LR15170033181/1.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate replied to my right hon. Friend on 17 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 25 October 2005 (acknowledgement B25206/5) regarding HO Ref G1071997, Mr Sabir Ghazi.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 20 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 28 November 2005 (acknowledgement B28213/5) on behalf of Mauvalyn Howell, HO Ref A2329027.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate replied to my right hon. Friend on 17 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood dated 6 December 2005 (acknowledgement B29131/5) on behalf of Miss Lethiana Corrodas, HO ref.C1019853.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 20 March 2006.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the enquiry from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, dated 4 October 2005 (acknowledgement reference B23510/5) on behalf of Dionne Peast, Home Office reference P363945.

Tony McNulty: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to my right hon. Friend on 20 March 2006.

Crime Statistics

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the recorded incidence was of (a) violent crime and (b) serious violent crime in each month from January 2003 (i) in total and (ii) broken down by police authority area.

Hazel Blears: The available information is given in the tables. Data are provided for violent crime which combines offence groups' violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery. Figures are also provided for more serious violence against the person, a subset of violence against the person.
	
		Violent crime January 2003 to March 2005
		
			  2003 
			 Police force Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 2,273 1,966 2,561 2,179 2,326 2,693 2,842 2,614 2,987 2,709 2,140 2,546 
			 Bedfordshire 832 735 822 837 828 967 884 796 881 883 842 818 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,029 944 1,184 1,132 1,193 1,455 1492 1,434 1,324 1,215 1,160 1,218 
			 Cheshire 1,090 982 1,172 1,265 1,259 1,256 1,364 1,154 1,287 1,444 1,261 1,333 
			 Cleveland 663 750 864 819 874 906 948 1,001 928 1,074 987 921 
			 Cumbria 566 484 499 495 599 564 708 478 711 553 530 557 
			 Derbyshire 1,375 1,306 1,493 1,459 1,538 1,563 1,496 1,727 1,605 1,697 1,389 1,482 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1,859 1,634 2,080 1,955 2,198 2,258 2,571 2,750 2,254 2,405 2,242 2,308 
			 Dorset 701 681 825 844 863 777 980 821 872 872 841 818 
			 Durham 672 697 761 631 615 664 6561 655 583 543 509 526 
			 Dyfed-Powys 481 480 534 477 500 669 840 860 748 754 827 553 
			 Essex 1,924 2,031 2,051 2,216 2,325 2,585 2,539 2,406 2,271 2,569 2,312 2,384 
			 Gloucestershire 784 697 825 710 803 821 882 908 763 741 701 685 
			 Greater Manchester 4,902 4,946 5,554 5,650 5,430 6,052 5,632 5,650 5,702 5,174 5,110 5,557 
			 Gwent 1,312 1,196 1,192 1,326 1,127 906 1,348 1,207 1,284 1,199 965 903 
			 Hampshire 2,362 2,332 2,779 2,392 2,768 2,902 3,435 3,350 3,162 3,366 3,285 3,312 
			 Hertfordshire 707 710 850 918 991 1,092 1,191 1,192 1,003 1,182 1,124 1,179 
			 Humberside 1,446 1473 1902 1651 2095 2,028 2,236 2,425 2,609 2,707 2,526 2,410 
			 Kent 1,727 1,540 1,783 1,741 1,831 1,954 1,970 2,107 1,944 1,937 1,862 1,764 
			 Lancashire 1,404 1,344 1,737 2,022 2,682 2,883 2,832 2,538 2,247 2,259 2,285 2,431 
			 Leicestershire 1,462 1,396 1,546 1,455 1,630 1,722 1,721 1,782 1,660 1,722 1,746 1,549 
			 Lincolnshire 767 666 872 826 893 871 1,048 1,019 897 896 849 899 
			 London, City of 96 86 89 73 62 59 96 92 62 67 83 84 
			 Merseyside 2,202 2,001 2,413 2,314 2,466 2,441 2,408 2,634 2,257 2,297 2,189 2,661 
			 Metropolitan Police 18,606 17,199 19,631 19,172 20,326 21,144 21,555 20,299 19,514 19,238 18,720 17,867 
			 Norfolk 835 827 1,013 987 1,083 1,122 1,184 1,183 1,052 991 1,060 988 
			 Northamptonshire 841 767 955 960 1,074 1,051 1,057 1,006 1,010 1,118 1,106 1,101 
			 Northumbria 2,373 2341 2,477 2389 2,502 2,477 2,444 2,299 2,196 2,148 2,117 2,124 
			 North Wales 966 903 1,080 968 989 992 1,091 1,066 919 892 912 954 
			 North Yorkshire 834 586 857 491 862 762 869 805 1,032 1,016 883 917 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,561 1569 2,035 1,693 1,860 2,089 1,948 1,997 1,788 1,786 1,795 1,781 
			 South Wales 2,069 1,790 1,949 1,814 1,839 1,963 2,032 2,169 1,830 1,895 1,896 1,862 
			 South Yorkshire 1,330 1,357 1,362 1,295 1,349 1,286 1,350 1,373 1,271 1,256 1,282 1,474 
			 Staffordshire 1,681 1,755 1,975 1,974 1,971 2,178 2,079 1,896 2,173 2,228 1,949 2,214 
			 Suffolk 727 643 740 740 850 875 1,012 1,072 979 753 810 859 
			 Surrey 853 686 810 949 1,007 1,013 885 994 777 842 1,015 865 
			 Sussex 1,592 1,570 1,699 1,726 1,877 2,021 1,931 2,001 1,839 1,661 1,854 1,670 
			 Thames Valley 2,236 2,103 2,675 2,583 2,566 2,859 2,809 2,851 2,677 2,640 2,475 2,555 
			 Warwickshire 595 602 622 606 759 697 703 718 639 628 572 617 
			 West Mercia 1,810 1,636 1,750 1,846 1,946 2,129 2,099 2,171 1,954 1,877 1,896 1,922 
			 West Midlands 5,327 4,907 5,743 5,564 5,978 6,162 6,097 6,083 5,536 5,609 5,482 5,575 
			 West Yorkshire 3,101 2,730 3,398 3,297 4,258 4,935 5,577 5,390 4,912 4,843 4,857 4,459 
			 Wiltshire 604 611 565 619 574 594 706 628 553 600 541 538 
			 Total 80,577 75,622 87,724 85,060 91,566 96,437 9,9547 97,600 92,692 92,286 88,997 89,240 
		
	
	
		Violent crime January 2003 to March 2005
		
			  2004 
			 Police force Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Septr Oct Nov Dec 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 2,670 2,402 2,846 2,650 2,695 3,245 3,099 2,930 3,123 2,723 3,334 3,156 
			 Bedfordshire 843 847 890 888 1,012 1,133 1,109 969 1,002 961 1,037 1,004 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,135 1,155 1,272 1,199 1,374 1,409 1,454 1,489 1,407 1,280 1,222 1,063 
			 Cheshire 1,260 1228 1306 1333 1405 1485 1354 1,323 1,469 1355 1,479 1,537 
			 Cleveland 995 882 946 969 979 995 984 966 1,011 1,091 1,233 1,183 
			 Cumbria 739 625 732 559 761 693 769 418 1,045 905 899 891 
			 Derbyshire 1,450 1,431 1,499 1,613 1,791 1,646 1,695 1,648 1,546 1,631 1,427 1,401 
			 Devon and Cornwall 2,293 2,218 2,415 2,649 2,861 2,751 2,829 3,100 2,586 2,456 2,418 2,409 
			 Dorset 815 816 852 947 884 990 1,075 1,133 1,025 991 997 9,511 
			 Durham 562 579 671 548 622 616 659 634 653 619 596 640 
			 Dyfed-Powys 891 605 673 748 926 748 798 882 684 776 668 753 
			 Essex 2,417 2,275 2,483 2,529 2,589 2,818 2,555 2,380 2,434 2,360 2,320 2,153 
			 Gloucestershire 724 673 837 750 818 887 959 936 847 988 924 905 
			 Greater Manchester 5,262 5,288 5,911 5,835 5,964 5,725 5,251 6,095 5,016 5,043 5,175 5,002 
			 Gwent 1,182 1,036 1,126 9,05 1,044 1,129 1,600 1,212 1,293 1,264 1,173 1,035 
			 Hampshire 3,371 3,333 3,546 3,803 3,783 3,821 3,705 3,638 3,558 3,506 3,630 3,324 
			 Hertfordshire 1,411 1,263 1,426 1,563 1,738 1,664 1,603 1,659 1,618 1,653 1,476 1,548 
			 Humberside 2,478 2,446 2,871 2,590 2,530 2,506 2,638 2,433 2,320 2,334 2,031 1,890 
			 Kent 18,97 1,873 2,024 2,014 2,150 2,154 2,264 2,074 2,190 2,322 9,925 2,011 
			 Lancashire 2,400 2305 2413 2504 3275 3408 3384 3287 2933 2825 27698 2547 
			 Leicestershire 1,600 1,656 1,826 1,859 1,916 1,977 2,036 2,055 1,939 2,017 2,200 2,195 
			 Lincolnshire 942 974 974 966 1,074 1,073 1,019 1,072 1,032 964 888 893 
			 London, City of 70 92 89 89 82 107 82 63 99 97 92 138 
			 Merseyside 2,611 2790 3009 3196 3339 3674 2990 3082 2804 2965 3001 3003 
			 Metropolitan Police 19,517 19,003 20,672 19,091 21,140 21,400 21,890 21,906 20,799 2,1943 2,1653 20,054 
			 Norfolk 931 1,055 1,183 1,213 1,262 1,261 1,241 1,314 1,079 1,272 1,150 1113 
			 Northamptonshire 1,085 1,088 1,178 1,171 1,203 11,443 1,133 1,126 967 1,140 1,033 933 
			 Northumbria 2,234 2,092 2,359 2,232 2,265 2,205 2,228 2,232 2,187 2,054 2,045 20,005 
			 North Wales 1,007 922 1,037 1,124 1,196 1,023 1,089 1,255 1,038 1,083 972 1,036 
			 North Yorkshire 956 933 981 984 1,179 1,066 1,113 1,117 1,063 1,122 983 1,149 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,843 1,711 19,51 1,679 1,824 1,792 1,815 1,724 1,959 2,058 1,887 1,973 
			 South Wales 1,768 1,751 1,841 1,776 1,937 1,682 1,800 1,814 1,643 1,704 1,740 1,762 
			 South Yorkshire 1,370 1,188 1,343 1,364 1,555 1,577 1,771 1,573 1,809 2,123 1,998 1,975 
			 Suffolk 1,864 1,866 2,317 2,143 2,150 2,310 2,117 2,246 2,185 2,014 2,238 2,132 
			 Surrey 838 780 892 929 1,053 813 1,053 1,066 961 938 1,028 853 
			 Surrey 895 909 697 1,273 1,141 1,093 1,083 1,085 788 1,069 966 843 
			 Sussex 1,910 1,780 1,856 2,156 2,303 2,597 2,793 2,702 2,663 2,631 2,635 2,551 
			 Thames Valley 2,668 2,84 3,025 2,923 3,221 3,363 3,281 3,292 3,187 3,332 3,368 3,295 
			 Warwickshire 595 528 609 688 620 632 587 661 576 597 624 554 
			 West Mercia 1,883 1,754 2,029 1,769 1,987 2,062 1,795 1,760 1,632 1,555 1,505 1,422 
			 West Midlands 5,784 5,514 6,050 5,732 5,931 5,407 5,805 5,683 5,449 5,720 5,354 5,355 
			 West Yorkshire 4,558 3,107 1,752 4,151 4,590 4,035 4,320 4,230 3,908 4,196 4,036 3,893 
			 Wiltshire 663 553 645 508 535 631 587 627 528 541 553 593 
			 Total 9,2387 88,110 95,094 95,612 102,704 102,746 103,412 102,791 98,055 100,218 99,051 95,183 
		
	
	
		Violent crime January 2003 to March 2005
		
			  2005 
			 Police force January February 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 30,936 2,671 
			 Bedfordshire 880 783 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,044 846 
			 Cheshire 1,643 1,218 
			 Cleveland 1,271 1,204 
			 Cumbria 827 823 
			 Derbyshire 1,408 1,189 
			 Devon and Cornwall 2,163 1,832 
			 Dorset 899 827 
			 Durham 620 579 
			 Dyfed-Powys 613 604 
			 Essex 2,102 1,820 
			 Gloucestershire 884 773 
			 Greater Manchester 5,135 4,691 
			 Gwent 1,158 992 
			 Hampshire 3,165 2,812 
			 Hertfordshire 1,412 1,324 
			 Humberside 1,789 1,758 
			 Kent 2,046 1,995 
			 Lancashire 2,420 2,273 
			 Leicestershire 2,017 1,899 
			 Lincolnshire 980 855 
			 London, City of 92 65 
			 Merseyside 3,129 3,167 
			 Metropolitan Police 2,248 19,027 
			 Norfolk 1,023 1,055 
			 Northamptonshire 950 860 
			 Northumbria 2,109 1,795 
			 North Wales 1,040 957 
			 North Yorkshire 1,057 1,055 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,897 1,878 
			 South Wales 1825 1,791 
			 South Yorkshire 2,293 2,517 
			 Suffolk 1,972 1,979 
			 Surrey 913 744 
			 Surrey 807 803 
			 Sussex 2,412 2,346 
			 Thames Valley 3,036 2,797 
			 Warwickshire 554 557 
			 West Mercia 1,477 1,286 
			 West Midlands 5,879 5,180 
			 West Yorkshire 3,809 3,714 
			 Wiltshire 543 508 
			 Total 95,637 87,849

Deaths in Custody

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Independent Police Complaints Commission regarding deaths in custody; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: I met with the chair of the IPCC in January 2006 to discuss, among other things, deaths during or following police contact. The meeting considered making best use of lessons learnt from deaths and adverse incidents during or following police contact. That work is being taken forward with staff from Home Office, the IPCC, police and other stakeholders.

Driving Licence (Penalty Points)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drivers in (a) England, (b) the Tees Valley and (c) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency have lost their driving licence as a result of obtaining the maximum number of penalty points in each of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: Latest available information taken from the 2003 Court Proceedings Database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform shows that, as a result of 'totting up' of points under s. 35 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, there were 29,997 disqualifications in England. More local data are only available by police force area and for the Cleveland police there were 809.
	2004 data will be available end of March 2006.

Drug Classification

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the misuse of methylamphetamine on (a) individuals and (b) levels of crime; and what assessment he has made of trends in abuse of the drug.

Paul Goggins: These issues were covered in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' methylamphetamine report published in November 2005.
	The prevalence of methylamphetamine is relatively low in the UK, however the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will continue to monitor the situation and further advise the Government within 12 months.

Drug Offences

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were fined between £1,000 and £2,500 for possessing (a) cannabis, (b) heroin and (c) cocaine in each year since 1993.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is given in the table as follows.
	
		People fined between £1,000 and £2,500 for drug possession offences1, 2 England and Wales
		
			  Drug type 
			 Year Cannabis Heroin Cocaine 
		
		
			 1993 13 2 5 
			 1994 20 0 5 
			 1995 6 1 4 
			 1996 14 3 4 
			 1997 23 3 5 
			 1998 38 2 6 
			 1999 29 2 11 
			 2000 31 3 12 
			 2001 14 0 5 
			 2002 13 1 8 
			 2003 25 3 7 
			 2004 27 1 14 
		
	
	(54) HM Revenue and Customs data not available. Figures derived from police and court data.
	(55) Offenders are included in this table if they are fined for their principal offence i.e the offence for which they were given the most severe penalty.

Fireworks

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many penalty notices have been issued in relation to the illegal use of fireworks in Suffolk since the relevant legislation was introduced.

Hazel Blears: Offences under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (made under section 11 of the Fireworks Act 2003 for breach of the national fireworks curfew, the illegal possession of category four fireworks and the possession by a person under 18 of an adult firework) attract penalty notices for disorder, as does the offence of throwing fireworks. The offence of throwing fireworks has been included in the penalty notice for disorder scheme since it was introduced nationally during 2004. The offences under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 were brought into the scheme with effect from 11 October 2004.
	The numbers of penalty notices issued for these offences in the Suffolk police force area during 2004, alongside provisional data from January to September 2005, are provided in the following table.
	
		Number of penalty notices for disorder issued for fireworks offences, Suffolk police force area 2004 and January—September 2005 provisional figures
		
			 Police force Throwing fireworks Breach of fireworks curfew Possession of a category 4 firework Possession by under 18 of adult firework 
		
		
			 Suffolk 
			 2004 1 — — — 
			  
			 January—September 2005(56) 2 — — — 
		
	
	(56) Provisional.
	Source:
	RDS—Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Forced Marriages

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to ensure proper training for relevant professionals in respect of guidance published on forced marriages.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	We work hard to distribute the guidelines on dealing with cases of forced marriage as widely as possible to police, education professionals and social workers. This year, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) will also be producing guidelines for health professionals and registrars. As part of its core work, the FMU conducts an extensive programme of outreach work with statutory agencies. One of the objectives of this programme is to contribute to training on handling forced marriage cases and to support the implementation of the guidance documents.
	We are working with our colleagues from the Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Centre for Policing Excellence to look at how we monitor the implementation of the guidelines for police. Forced marriage is already built into the risk assessment framework for police. This is being supported by training and adopted by police forces around the country, within the domestic violence portfolio.

Forensic Medical Examiners

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of forensic medical examiners.

Hazel Blears: Forensic medical examiners, together with other healthcare professionals, have a key role in relation to the care and welfare of those detained in police custody, victims and police officers injured on duty. As well as considering clinical needs they may be asked to provide forensic input to the investigative process by documenting and interpreting injuries or taking forensic samples. They may also be required to advise the police in a range of circumstances; for example, as to whether a death presents any suspicious circumstances.

Home Curfews

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on drug testing arrangements for home detention curfew detainees.

Fiona Mactaggart: Offenders released from custody on home detention curfew (HOC) who are also subject to supervision by the probation service (licence or notice of supervision for 18–21 year olds) may be drug tested if they are:
	Prolific or other priority offenders (PPOs) as defined by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership for the area in which they live
	Over 18
	Have committed a 'trigger offence' (Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, Section 64 and Schedule 6)—i.e. one of a range of acquisitive offences linked to drug use, and class A drug offences themselves
	Have a class A drug habit linked to their offending. There is no separate and specific provision for drug-testing offenders released on HOC.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the report of Tim Gbedemah into allegations of corruption within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate concerning the allocation of visas.

Tony McNulty: I refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement which was laid on 14 March 2006, Official Report, column 96WS, along with a copy of the report.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long he expects it to take to complete the investigation into the member of staff in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate accused of sexual misconduct with a visa applicant.

Tony McNulty: An investigation into the allegation is now being conducted by IND's security and anti-corruption unit (SACU) as a priority but I cannot estimate how long it might take at this stage.

Licensing Act

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding was provided to Dorset police in relation to the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003; and what period this covered.

Hazel Blears: No money has been provided to police authorities specifically in relation to the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003.
	The third national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC 3) took place between 14 November 2005 and the beginning of 2006. The Police Standards Unit provided forces with extra funding to implement a range of tactics with the aim of tackling irresponsible drinkers and retailers of alcohol. Dorset police was allocated £19,000 for the campaign.
	Dorset will receive its fair share of available resources next year. The allocation of resources locally and appropriate budget management are matters for the Chief constable of Dorset police and the Dorset Police Authority.

National Custody Forum

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the National Custody Forum.

Hazel Blears: ,The National Custody Forum, chaired by ACPO, is a multi agency strategic forum, which has been established to assist in the development and dissemination of policy, guidance and best practice to enhance the safe and efficient provision of custody services. The National Custody Forum is underpinned by a network of Regional Custody Fora, which have been established in each of the ACPO Regions in England and Wales.

Pay Settlements

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated cost is of the equal pay settlement between HM Prison Service and the Public and Commercial Services trade union over the next three years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The estimated cost is between £39 million and £44 million in 2006–07, and £7 million to £9 million in each of the following years. This is subject to the outcome of pay negotiations in those years.

Pay Settlements

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions have taken place between HM Prison Service (HMPS) and the Treasury on the funding of the equal pay settlement between HMPS and the Public and Commercial Services trade union.

Fiona Mactaggart: Staff from the Prison Service met their treasury counterparts on several occasions to discuss details of the proposed settlement. The final meeting was on one March 2006 to discuss establishing links between the proposed settlement and the recommendations of the Prison Service Pay Review Body.

Pay Settlements

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for the pay and conditions of other grades within the Prison Service of the equal pay settlement agreed between the service and the Public and Commercial Services trade union.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Prison Service has commissioned the development of a universal job evaluation system. This system will underpin new pay and grading structures for most staff, including those covered by the recent equal pay settlement. Work on the evaluation system began in October 2004 and new pay and grading structures are intended to be in place by April 2008.

Penal Policy

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of intermittent custody schemes; what economic assessment has been undertaken of those schemes; and what plans he has to extend the use of such schemes.

Fiona Mactaggart: Officials are currently reviewing the learning from the pilots of intermittent custody and I will announce the outcome of that exercise in due course.

Police

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted into the merits of extending the video recording of police interviews.

Hazel Blears: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 18 November 2004, Official Report, column 2095W. The research provided an adequate assessment of the operation and impact of visual recording in the pilot areas and, as I indicated in my previous answer, found no discernible differences in terms of criminal justice outcomes. The research would require further work before it could reach publication standard. This will be considered in conjunction with stakeholders with whom we shall review the operational benefits of visual recording of interviews with suspects.

Police

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to ensure that the Independent Police Complaints Commission sends a substantive reply to a member of the public lodging an appeal within 28 days of that appeal being lodged;
	(2)  what the time scales are within which the Independent Police Complaints Commission is expected to handle (a) complaints and (b) appeals by members of the public; and if he will make a statement.
	(3)  whether there is a backlog of appeal cases waiting for determination by the Independent Police Complaints Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is responsible for the management of the police complaints system. I will ensure that the chairman receives a copy of the question and replies to the hon. Member directly. Copies of the letter containing the IPCC's response will be placed in the House Libraries.

Police

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what methods are used to ensure diversity in the police force.

Hazel Blears: It remains the Government's policy that the police service will promote equality, fairness and respect and provide a working environment where diversity is recognised to enable it to achieve a greater level of trust and confidence from all communities, which can also be achieved through better engagement with communities through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Policing.
	The Home Office and Police Service response to the Commission for Racial Equality Investigation into racism in the police is also a key element in improving the environment within the service and to making the service a more attractive option to those wishing to join.
	The Police Service continues to make progress against the Home Secretary's recruitment targets for 2009, and forces are committed to recruit from minority ethnic groups in proportion to, or at a level above, their representation in the local economically active population. Performance against this objective is a key performance indicator in the Policing Performance Assessment Framework. Since 1999, the percentage of police officers from minority ethnic communities has risen from 2 per cent. to 3.5 per cent., an increase of 2,497 minority ethnic officers. The latest figures show that minority ethnic staff make up 6.5 per cent. of the police staff total.
	The Home Office is working with the Police Service to accelerate the pace of change. The measures currently in hand include outreach programmes in police forces, engagement with student faith societies and black students' unions to encourage applications from minority ethnic graduates. We are also investigating the possibility of introducing weighted appointment criteria rewarding skills such as appropriate second languages. As part of the National Assessment Centre process we aim to ensure that assessment and selection panels include representatives from minority ethnic communities wherever possible.
	Internally, measures are in place to increase female and minority ethnic applications to the High Potential Development Scheme. A learning and development strategy to improve performance in race and diversity was published in November 2004 which introduced the Police Race and Diversity Learning Programme which will ensure improvements in race and diversity through delivery of effective development.
	In addition, a national exit interview questionnaire has been developed to encourage forces to capture the reasons for staff leaving the service, with the aim of further work being done to improve the overall retention rate and reduce the disparity in wastage rates for female and minority ethnic staff.

Pornography

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the selling of hardcore pornography via (a) bottom shelf newspapers and (b) imported material from overseas on the efforts to combat illegal access to pornography; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Under the terms of a voluntary code of practice which is overseen by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, adult titles containing hardcore pornography, should be displayed on the top shelves of newsagents' shops and should not be sold to young people under the age of 18.
	We believe this code works well but we are aware of the concern which has been expressed about sexually provocative material which is commonly available on the lower shelves of newsagents' shops, and in other retail outlets, and are determined to ensure that the interests of children are properly safeguarded in this regard. Officials will be meeting with representatives of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents and other trade associations shortly.
	In respect of illegal explicit pornographic material, which is now increasingly available via the internet, we have recently consulted on a proposal to create an offence of possession in respect of a limited category of the most extreme material. The consultation period ended on 2 December 2005 and a summary of responses will be published in due course.

Prisoners

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the (a) battery and (b) mains electrical equipment that prisoners are permitted to keep in their cells; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: Battery and mains electrical equipment that prisoners are permitted to retain in their cells varies between prisons. The list of in-possession items for each establishment is set by the governor. Televisions are not considered in-cell possessions, as they are hired from the public sector Prison Service.

Prisoners

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 15 March, to question 58643, on prisoners, what estimate he has made of the cost of providing the information requested.

Fiona Mactaggart: The cost exceeds the limit set out in Cabinet Office guidance for answering parliamentary questions.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the prison population is being held on remand (a) at each prison and (b) in aggregate; and what proportion of inmates on remand at each prison are awaiting (i) trial and (ii) sentence.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested, as recorded on the Prison Service IT System, is provided in the table.
	
		Population of prisoners held on remand and total prison population in England and Wales as at 31 January 2006.
		
			  Prisoners held on remand 
			 Prison Remand population (Column B) Untried (Column C) Convicted unsentenced (Column D) Untried as percentage of all remand (ColumnC/ Column B) Convicted unsentenced as percentage of all remand (ColumnD /Column B) Remand population as percentage of total population (ColumnB/ Column H) Total prison population (Column H) 
		
		
			 Acklington 0 0 0 0 0 0 831 
			 Albany 0 0 0 0 0 0 528 
			 Altcourse 308 191 117 62 38 32 958 
			 Ashfield 63 43 20 68 32 19 332 
			 Ashwell 0 0 0 0 0 0 540 
			 Askham Grange 0 0 0 0 0 0 119 
			 Aylesbury 0 0 0 0 0 0 437 
			 Bedford 149 92 57 62 38 32 472 
			 Belmarsh 431 305 126 71 29 47 914 
			 Birmingham 566 370 196 65 35 39 1,443 
			 Blakenhurst 408 254 154 62 38 39 1,039 
			 Blantyre House 0 0 0 0 0 0 119 
			 Blundestone 0 0 0 0 0 0 456 
			 Brinsford 281 156 125 56 44 60 469 
			 Bristol 239 135 104 56 44 40 598 
			 Brixton 461 311 150 67 33 57 802 
			 Brockhill 86 60 26 70 30 62 139 
			 Bronzefield 247 164 83 66 34 60 410 
			 Buckley Hall 0 0 0 0 0 0 153 
			 Bullingdon 227 132 95 58 42 24 953 
			 Bullwood Hall 0 0 0 0 0 0 145 
			 Camp Hill 0 0 0 0 0 0 586 
			 Canterbury 0 0 0 0 0 0 309 
			 Cardiff 199 103 96 52 48 27 726 
			 Castington 92 59 33 64 36 28 332 
			 Channings Wood 0 0 0 0 0 0 647 
			 Chelmsford 246 129 117 52 48 44 558 
			 Coldingley 0 0 0 0 0 0 378 
			 Cookham Wood 1 1 0 100 0 1 176 
			 Dartmoor 0 0 0 0 0 0 616 
			 Deerbolt 0 0 0 0 0 0 382 
			 Doncaster 380 220 160 58 42 34 1,105 
			 Dorchester 105 60 45 57 43 44 241 
			 Dovegate 0 0 0 0 0 0 833 
			 Dover 0 0 0 0 0 0 271 
			 Downview 5 5 0 100 0 2 325 
			 Drake Hall 0 0 0 0 0 0 284 
			 Durham 320 208 112 65 35 40 792 
			 East Sutton Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 94 
			 Eastwood Park 91 50 41 55 45 31 295 
			 Edmunds Hill 0 0 0 0 0 0 292 
			 Elmley 336 210 126 63 38 34 980 
			 Erlestoke 0 0 0 0 0 0 425 
			 Everthorpe 0 0 0 0 0 0 653 
			 Exeter 217 118 99 54 46 44 497 
			 Featherstone 0 0 0 0 0 0 607 
			 Feltham 517 386 131 75 25 81 636 
			 Ford 0 0 0 0 0 0 464 
			 Forest Bank 359 221 138 62 38 37 980 
			 Foston Hall 22 9 13 41 59 9 241 
			 Frankland 0 0 0 0 0 0 698 
			 Full Sutton 0 0 0 0 0 0 574 
			 Garth 0 0 0 0 0 0 660 
			 Gartree 0 0 0 0 0 0 491 
			 Glen Parva 190 111 79 58 42 27 714 
			 Gloucester 139 69 70 50 50 50 280 
			 Grendon/Spring Hill 0 0 0 0 0 0 518 
			 Guys Marsh 0 0 0 0 0 0 562 
			 Haslar 0 0 0 0 0 0 143 
			 Haverigg 0 0 0 0 0 0 554 
			 Hewell Grange 0 0 0 0 0 0 149 
			 Highdown 320 218 102 68 32 43 740 
			 Highpoint 0 o 0 0 0 0 808 
			 Hindley 45 24 21 53 47 11 403 
			 HollesleBay 0 0 0 0 0 0 247 
			 Holloway 215 105 110 49 51 48 444 
			 Holme House 170 110 60 65 35 19 900 
			 Hull 273 160 113 59 41 28 960 
			 Huntercombe 0 0 0 0 0 0 323 
			 Kingston (Portsmouth) 0 0 0 0 0 0 193 
			 Kirkham 0 0 0 0 0 0 445 
			 Kirklevington 0 0 0 0 0 0 222 
			 Lancaster 0 0 0 0 0 0 233 
			 Lancaster Farms 100 44 56 44 56 22 463 
			 Latchmere House 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 
			 Leeds 287 157 130 55 45 26 1,120 
			 Leicester 179 109 70 61 39 52 346 
			 Lewes 218 143 75 66 34 40 540 
			 Leyhill 0 0 0 0 0 0 396 
			 Lincoln 128 71 57 55 45 28 464 
			 Lindholme 0 0 0 0 0 0 800 
			 Littlehey 0 0 0 0 0 0 691 
			 Liverpool 288 182 106 63 37 23 1,269 
			 Long Lartin 0 0 0 0 0 0 434 
			 Low Newton 46 26 20 57 43 21 218 
			 Lowdham Grange 0 0 0 0 0 0 518 
			 Maidstone 0 0 0 0 0 0 553 
			 Manchester 372 227 145 61 39 30 1,239 
			 Moorland Open 0 0 0 0 0 0 250 
			 Moorland 0 0 0 0 0 0 756 
			 Norton Hall 0 0 0 0 0 0 277 
			 New Hall 73 30 43 41 59 23 324 
			 North Sea Camp 0 0 0 0 0 0 253 
			 Northallerton 0 0 0 0 0 0 152 
			 Morwich 222 132 90 59 41 29 755 
			 Nottingham 248 129 119 52 48 49 508 
			 Onley 0 0 0 0 0 0 563 
			 Pare 87 50 37 57 43 9 987 
			 Parkhurst 20 10 10 50 50 4 504 
			 Pentonville 735 509 226 69 31 65 1,129 
			 Peterborough 199 120 79 60 40 25 793 
			 Portland 0 0 0 0 0 0 425 
			 Preston 302 177 125 59 41 51 594 
			 Ranby 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,016 
			 Reading 130 63 67 48 52 45 288 
			 Risley 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,066 
			 Rochester 0 0 0 0 0 0 384 
			 Rye Hill 0 0 0 0 0 0 590 
			 Send 0 0 0 0 0 0 201 
			 Shepton Mallet 0 0 0 0 0 0 183 
			 Shrewsbury 106 57 49 54 46 33 320 
			 Stafford 0 0 0 0 0 0 674 
			 Standford Hill 0 0 0 0 0 0 416 
			 Stocken 0 0 0 0 0 0 603 
			 Stoke Heath 39 30 9 77 23 6 614 
			 Styal 120 69 51 58 43 32 376 
			 Sudbury 0 0 0 0 0 0 551 
			 Swaleside 0 0 0 0 0 0 770 
			 Swansea 108 65 43 60 40 29 370 
			 Swinfen Hall 0 0 0 0 0 0 601 
			 The Mount 0 0 0 0 0 0 719 
			 The Verne 0 0 0 0 0 0 557 
			 The Wolds 0 0 0 0 0 0 299 
			 Thorn Cross 0 0 0 0 0 0 253 
			 Usk/Prescoed 0 0 0 0 0 0 415 
			 Wakefield 0 0 0 0 0 0 593 
			 Wandsworth 593 373 220 63 37 40 1,469 
			 Warren Hill 41 30 11 73 27 20 208 
			 Wayland 0 0 0 0 0 0 703 
			 Wealstun 0 0 0 0 0 0 774 
			 Wellingborough 0 0 0 0 0 0 580 
			 Werrington 0 0 0 0 0 0 116 
			 Wetherby 53 32 21 60 40 17 316 
			 Whatton 0 0 0 0 0 0 357 
			 Whitemoor 0 0 0 0 0 0 454 
			 Winchester 296 166 130 56 44 42 701 
			 Woodhill 335 229 106 68 32 43 772 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 496 294 202 59 41 40 1,228 
			 Wymott 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,044 
			 Total 13,529 8,313 5,216 61 39 18 75,920

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of women entering custody did so on remand in each year since 1997.

Fiona Mactaggart: Information on women prisoners entering custody and held on remand in each year since 1997 is given in the following table.
	
		Proportion of women entering custody on remand each year since 1997(57)
		
			  Women prisoner receptions on remand Total women prisoner first receptions Proportion on remand (percentage) 
		
		
			 1997 5,124 8,508 60 
			 1998 6,258 9,995 63 
			 1999 6,721 10,875 62 
			 2000 6,584 10,682 62 
			 2001 7,191 11,252 64 
			 2002 8,690 12,601 69 
			 2003 9,032 12,946 70 
			 2004 7,978 12,554 64 
		
	
	(57) SourceTable 7.1 of Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2004
	Note:
	First receptions provide an indication of the number of new prisoners in a time period. A person received into prison to serve a sentence may previously have been received on remand after conviction prior to sentence, and before that as a remand prisoner awaiting trial. First receptions will count that prisoner only once in the relevant period in which they were first received.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates held on remand received a non-custodial sentence in each year since 1997.

Fiona Mactaggart: The final court outcome for persons remanded in custody at some stage in magistrates court proceedings, for 200004, is given in table 7.11 of the web-only tables for Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2004 available at the following web address:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/omcs.html
	Similar information for 199799 is published in Table 2.6 of Prison Statistics England and Wales 1999, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.

Public Order

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many retailers have been fined under section 54 and 54A of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 in (a) Swindon, (b) the South West and (c) England in each year since 2003.

Hazel Blears: No records of prosecutions under section 54 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 were notified to the Home Office for 2003 and 2004.

Public Order

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many graffiti removal notices were issued in Swindon in each year since 2003.

Hazel Blears: There has not been any graffiti removal notices issued in Swindon. Section 4852 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 introducing these provisions will be commenced on 6 April 2006.

Public Order

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued since the introduction in each local police team area in Beverley and Holderness.

Hazel Blears: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) introduced under the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) were made available to the courts from 1 April 1999. From commencement up to 1 June 2000 data were collected on aggregate numbers only by police force area. Data are not available for each local police team area. However, since 1 June 2000, from copies of the orders received, we are able to determine the local government authority area in which prohibitions are imposed. A table giving annual data, up to 30 June 2005 (latest available), broken down by local government authority area is available on the Crime Reduction website at www.crimereduction.gov.uk

Public Order

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to tackle antisocial behaviour outside nightclubs and public houses in the West Midlands region; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Government are determined to target those individuals involved in alcohol disorder in our towns and cities. We have recently undertaken our third Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) to crack down on such behaviour. West Midlands police received 192,000 from the Home Office and overall during the campaign police and trading standard officers carried out over 6,000 test purchase operations, dealt with more than 30,000 offences and made over 25,000 arrests. The police work that led to the success of AMEC will now continue on a daily basis as part of everyday mainstream police activities. We have also introduced a range of new powers through the Licensing Act 2003 to deal with the problems of alcohol misuse. In addition, the Violent Crime Reduction Bill will introduce a new civil ordera Drinking Banning Orderwhich will allow for the exclusion from the area concerned of individuals aged 16 or over who are responsible for alcohol-related disorder.

Remand Prisoners

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of inmates who are being held on remand have been detained in prison previously.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested cannot be provided due to disproportionate cost.

Slave Trade Abolition

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for a national slavery memorial day in 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: There are no plans for a specific memorial day. The Government have, however, brought together influential stakeholders in an advisory group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, to discuss arrangements for the bicentenary in 2007 of the passage of the Slave Trade Act which made the slave trade illegal in the British empire. A wide range of activity at local and national level is currently under consideration.

Special Constables

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were in each police force area in each year since 1997.

Hazel Blears: The information is set out in the following table. Data on special constabulary numbers is published annually in Home Office Statistical Bulletins on police strength in England and Wales, which are available in the Library. Figures for March 2006 will be published later this year.
	
		The total strength(58) for special constables by police force area (19972005)
		
			  March 
			 Police force area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 759 621 547 459 400 364 345 305 396 
			 Bedfordshire 182 186 154 151 115 118 98 146 209 
			 Cambridgeshire 303 320 310 274 218 207 189 193 199 
			 Cheshire 475 459 407 350 290 191 161 173 192 
			 Cleveland 160 164 126 128 93 85 102 85 66 
			 Cumbria 189 198 204 176 156 102 94 77 126 
			 Derbyshire 428 380 317 282 275 260 249 301 369 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1,148 1,024 918 870 804 689 645 602 582 
			 Dorset 289 315 305 298 267 253 214 210 230 
			 Durham 184 144 159 157 146 134 94 81 91 
			 Essex 634 638 544 483 445 381 371 349 363 
			 Gloucestershire 297 276 233 206 183 154 157 155 146 
			 Greater Manchester 685 598 523 457 367 338 340 345 380 
			 Hampshire 621 698 760 615 462 444 373 346 369 
			 Hertfordshire 297 306 238 216 198 206 193 206 226 
			 Humberside 340 324 269 246 212 207 157 209 328 
			 Kent 589 592 526 436 392 327 286 341 338 
			 Lancashire 483 489 449 382 360 363 351 336 319 
			 Leicestershire 415 406 316 247 162 143 149 159 181 
			 Lincolnshire 271 260 216 195 166 155 139 156 179 
			 London, City of 86 76 64 56 43 36 42 54 52 
			 Merseyside 401 419 458 476 541 468 503 371 259 
			 Metropolitan Police 1,714 1,282 1,138 758 774 680 692 742 697 
			 Norfolk 402 337 336 285 259 244 239 241 253 
			 Northamptonshire 316 288 230 199 188 177 189 197 242 
			 Northumbria 533 400 342 332 300 256 221 169 240 
			 North Yorkshire 362 358 276 217 182 185 177 160 173 
			 Nottinghamshire 620 558 461 411 335 341 261 295 333 
			 South Yorkshire 308 281 246 205 188 206 204 200 204 
			 Staffordshire 685 595 468 482 402 384 391 376 409 
			 Suffolk 379 397 420 391 349 308 275 266 267 
			 Surrey 297 235 224 175 149 187 212 255 289 
			 Sussex 472 442 393 352 306 306 303 181 200 
			 Thames Valley 656 609 569 472 418 356 369 341 375 
			 Warwickshire 381 345 261 260 221 209 190 169 190 
			 West Mercia 582 512 515 476 399 339 309 280 263 
			 West Midlands 945 889 731 680 617 598 637 715 959 
			 West Yorkshire 690 589 559 484 415 349 374 403 417 
			 Wiltshire 154 149 184 173 152 147 154 169 174 
			 Dyfed-Powys 283 254 237 202 191 157 152 151 167 
			 Gwent 157 119 113 119 137 142 130 136 144 
			 North Wales 341 358 400 247 207 125 133 124 124 
			 South Wales 361 366 338 267 254 277 173 218 198 
			 Total 43 forces in England and Wale 19,874 18,256 16,484 14,347 12,738 11,598 11,037 10,988 11,918 
		
	
	(58) Total strength is based on headcount figures.

Terrorism

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what penalties exist in British law in respect of the (a) taking-up of arms against UK or other coalition armed forces and (b) training in terrorist camps by (i) UK and (ii) non-UK residents; and whether he plans to review these penalties.

Hazel Blears: In any given case, whether a prosecution can be brought will depend on the particular circumstances that pertain in that case.
	A person of any nationality who takes up arms against UK or allied forces in the United Kingdom is likely to commit an offence and the penalty will depend on the precise nature of the conduct the person has undertaken.
	As a general rule, the UK courts only have jurisdiction in respect of offences committed within the UK but there are a number of exceptions.
	Section 9 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 provides that if a subject of Her Majesty commits murder or manslaughter outside the UK, regardless of the nationality of the victim, he can be tried in the English courts. Section 10 provides that if a person is fatally injured outside England but dies in England, or vice versa, any offences associated with the death can be tried in the English courts. Although section 10 does not expressly limit its application to British subjects such a limitation has been implied in decided cases. These offences carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
	Under section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 the offence of torture can be tried by the English courts, regardless of the nationality of the offender and where the acts took place. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
	Section 51 of the International Criminal Court Act 2001 makes genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes offences under the law of England and Wales. The offence applies to acts in England and Wales, and to acts outside the UK by a UK national, a UK resident or a person subject to UK service jurisdiction. The maximum penalty is 30 years' imprisonment, unless the offence is the commission of murder, or an offence ancillary to murder, in which case the penalty is as for murder (life imprisonment) or, as the case may be, the penalty for the ancillary offence.
	The Geneva Conventions Act 1957 makes it an offence under UK law for any person, whatever his nationality and whether in or outside the UK to commit, aid, abet or procure a grave breach of any of the Conventions in the Schedules to the Act or the First Protocol (as set in Schedule five to the Act). The maximum penalty is 30 years' imprisonment, unless the offence is the commission of murder in which case the penalty is as for murder (life imprisonment).
	Under section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 (once it has been amended by the Terrorism Bill) it will be an offence to carry out certain acts preparatory to causing an explosion anywhere in the world. The preparatory acts must take place in the UK, a dependency or, in the case of a person who is a citizen of the UK and colonies, elsewhere. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
	It is an element of the offences of high treason to levy war against the Queen in her realm or to be an adherent of the Queen's enemies in her realm giving them aid or comfort in the realm or elsewhere. To levy war against Her Majesty is also an element of treason felony.
	Enemies are subjects of all states against which Her Majesty has declared or proclaimed war, and the subjects of all states with which there are hostilities, whether or not war has been declared.
	Alien friends can be convicted of treason but alien enemies cannot. An alien who is resident within British territory owes allegiance to the Crown and can be liable for treason. An alien who has been resident but has left can be guilty of treason if he still enjoys the protection of the Crown, for example, by continuing to hold a passport. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
	Sections 63A to 63D of the Terrorism Act 2000 make provision in relation to extra-territorial application of terrorist offences.
	Under section 63A, if a UK national or a UK resident does anything outside the UK which, if it had been done in the UK, would have been an offence under section 54 (weapons training) (section 54 will be removed from section 63A by the Terrorism Bill) or 56 to 61 (directing terrorist organisation, possession for terrorist purposes, collection of information and inciting terrorism overseas) he shall be guilty of that offence in the UK.
	The penalties are as follows:
	Sections 54, 57 and 58: indictment, 10 years, a fine or both; summary, six months, fine up to the statutory maximum or both.
	Section 56: life
	Section 59 to 61: The same as the penalty for the offences listed in subsections (2) of those sections.
	Under section 63B, if a UK national or UK resident does anything outside the UK as an act of terrorism or for the purposes of terrorism which, if it had been done in the UK would have amounted to one of the offences in section 63B(2), he shall be guilty of that offence. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 63B(2), of which the person is convicted.
	Under section 63C, if any person does anything outside the UK, as an act of terrorism or for the purposes of terrorism, to, or in relation to, a UK national, a UK resident or a protected person (as defined in section 63C(3)) and his action, if done in the UK would have constituted one of the offences in section 63C(2), he shall be guilty of that offence. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 63C(2), of which he is convicted.
	Section 63D relates to attacks on UK diplomatic and other premises. Under section 63D(1), if any person (1) does anything outside the UK, as an act of terrorism or for the purposes of terrorism; (2) his action is done in connection with an attack on relevant premises or a vehicle ordinarily used by protected persons; (3) the attack is made when a protected person is on or in the premises or vehicle; and (4) his action, if done in the UK, would amount to one of the offences listed in section 63D(2), he shall be guilty of that offence. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 63D(2), of which he is convicted.
	Under section 63D(3), if any person (1) does anything outside the UK, as an act of terrorism or for the purposes of terrorism; (2) his action consists of a threat of an attack on relevant premises or a vehicle ordinarily used by protected persons; (3) the attack is threatened to be made when a protected person is, or is likely to be, on or in the premises or vehicle; and (4) his action, if done in the UK, would amount to one of the offences listed in section 63D(4), he shall be guilty of that offence. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 63D(4), of which the person is convicted.
	The United Nations Personnel Act 1997 creates various offences of doing things against UN workers and vehicles.
	Section 1 provides that if any person, outside the UK, commit any of the offences listed in subsection (2), to or in relation to a UN worker, he is guilty of that offence in the UK. Those offences are murder, manslaughter, culpable homicide, rape, assault causing injury, kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, the offences under sections 18, 20 to 24, 28, 29, 30 and 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 1(2), of which the person is convicted.
	Section 2 outlaws attacks on UN premises and vehicles. A person will be guilty of the offences under section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883, section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, article 3 of the Criminal Damage (Nl) Order 1977 or wilful fire-raising. The penalty is the penalty for the offence, listed in section 2(2), of which he is convicted.
	Section 3 outlaws threats of attacks on UN workers. The penalty is a term not exceeding 10 years and not exceeding the penalty for the offence threatened.
	A UN worker is defined in section four. It includes those deployed as part of the military component of a UN operation. UN operation does not include action authorised by the Security Council as an enforcement action under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, in which UN workers are engaged as combatants against organised armed forces and to which the law of international armed conflict applies.
	Under section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 it is an offence for a British subject to enlist in the service of a foreign state which is at war with another foreign state which is a friendly state. The maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment.
	As noted previously, Section 63A of the Terrorism Act extends the jurisdiction of Section 54 of that Act which relates to weapons training. The Terrorism Bill will remove section 54 from section 63A and provide instead that any person who does an act outside the UK which, if committed within the UK, would amount to an offence under section 54 shall be guilty of that offence. The Terrorism Bill creates further offences of training for terrorism (maximum penalty on indictment of ten years' imprisonment, a fine or both) and attendance at a place used for terrorist training (maximum penalty on indictment of ten years' imprisonment, a fine or both). In either case the nationality of the offender is not material. A person can be liable for action occurring outside the UK in both cases, but in relation to the offence of training for terrorism the extension of jurisdiction is limited to offences committed by reference to the commission, preparation or instigation of Convention offences (as defined in Schedule one to the Bill).

Video Games

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were of retailers selling video games with an 18 classification to children under the age of 18-years in (a) England and Wales and (b) Newport East in the last year for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: There is no specific offence of selling video games with an '18' classification to children under the age of 18 years. There is, however, an offence of supplying video recordings of classified work in breach of classification under the Video Recordings Act 1984, which partly covers video games as well as videos.
	In England and Wales in 2004 there were 11 prosecutions for this offence, of which four were against companies. One of these prosecutions against a company took place in South East Gwent petty sessional area, which covers Newport East.

World Cup

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions the Government have had with other governments on policing the borders of Germany during the 2006 FIFA World cup; what the outcome of these discussions was; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 21 March 2006
	There have been extensive discussions with the German Government and the governments in neighbouring and transit countries regarding the monitoring of fans travelling to Germany and host countries. Uniformed English police officers will work with the Federal police in Germany and in the UK. English police officers will also be deployed in transit countries.

Youth Custody Statistics

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 15 to 17 year olds were in custody in each of the last 10 years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested which is available is provided in the table.
	Information for prison establishments is as recorded on the Prison Service IT system.
	Information for Secure Training Centres and Local Authority Secure Children's Homes has been supplied by the Youth Justice Board.
	
		Young persons population in custody at 30 June 1996 to 2005
		
			  Local authority secure children's homes(59) Secure training centres(60) 1517 year olds in prison 
		
		
			 1996   2,093 
			 1997   2,479 
			 1998   2,466 
			 1999   2,422 
			 2000 156 48 2,434 
			 2001 151 44 2,434 
			 2002 153 55 2,607 
			 2003 183 104 2,253 
			 2004 142 115 2,274 
			 2005 111 169 2,310 
		
	
	(59) Figures supplied by YJB. The YJB was established in April 2000, and figures prior to 2000 for 1517 year olds detained in LASCHs is not centrally available. However, total numbers of those detained in LASCHs prior to 2000 are published in Table 1.2 of Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2004.
	(60) Introduced in 2000figures from YJB.